THE weather and the jokes were sharp at the grand switch-on of the Prestwich Christmas tree lights.

Local radio DJ James H. Reeve brought his own sardonic brand of humour to the occasion when he flipped the switch with the help of the Mayoress of Bury, Mrs Anne Costello.

"This is what passes for a climax in these parts," he quipped as he urged the crowd, which turned out to support the event despite the weather, to count down to the big moment.

Reflecting on why he was chosen for the honour the DJ, who recently spoke in less than glowing terms about the town in a local newspaper, joked: "I am by some distance the most famous person who lives within walking distance of the precinct - that's why I got the job.

"A few weeks ago in the Manchester Evening News I was asked to describe my home town and it did not go down too well; I still can't get served in Sainsbury's! But I want to bring Prestwich to life this Christmas and make it lively and jolly.

He admitted he "loathed and detested" Christmas and on a more serious note, urged people to make the occasion less commercial.

He stressed that Prestwich was a multi-cultural community with different faiths and celebrations but that ultimately people were all the same and should look after their fellow man during this time.

However, it was soon back to the humour and as he lit up the tree he added: "If you have got any projection equipment left from the eclipse, put it on. Remember, don't look directly at the snowman!" It was then over to Besses Boys' Band who kept kept the crowds entertained with traditional carols but some youngsters were interested in only one thing. Even James H. Reeve was upstaged as Santa Claus made his eagerly anticipated appearance on the Rotary Club of Prestwich and Whitefield Christmas Float.

Earlier in the day more than 300 pensioners packed into the Longfield Suite for a traditional music hall concert. Members of Prestwich Lions Club helped out at the event and the Prestwich Carnival royalty dressed in their full regalia served tea and mince pies.

Entertainment was provided by the kids from Class Act while MP Ivan Lewis, who had to dash early to meet the Prime Minister in Manchester, also got on stage to join in a rousing rendition of White Christmas.

The day was laid on by Prestwich Business Forum and David Curtis, manager of the Longfield Suite, was one of the main organisers.

He said: "We had nearly 350 people at the Longfield Suite for the concert and it went down absolutely wonderfully. It was superb and everybody enjoyed the show.

"The lights switch-on also went down well but the weather affected the turn out a bit. However, everybody I spoke to, kids and parents, loved it."

James H. Reeve followed in the footsteps of other local celebrities such as fellow DJ Adam Cole when he took part in the event.

Mr Curtis added: "When I came here in 1996 I asked who switched on the Christmas lights and I was told it was the electrician.

"I made it my personal quest to make sure someone special switched on the lights. It is all about putting the community spirit into Prestwich and the Longfield Centre is the heart of Prestwich."

Pictured doing the honours . . . James H. Reeve and the mayoress officially turn on the Christmas tree lights and (below) enjoying themselves are six-year-olds (left) Robyn Vickers, of Ostrich Lane, Prestwich, and her chum Abigail Khodaie, of Windsor Crescent, Prestwich.

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