The Christmas lights switch-on proved a knockout event with nearly 3,000 people braving sub-zero temperatures to attend.

The 600ft long Charlie the Caterpillar filled Market Street and much of Chapel Street as it was paraded around town by more than 20 different community groups and schools.

Compere Mother Christmas, otherwise known as actress Janet Baron, welcomed the British welterweight boxing champion and Chorley lad, Michael Jennings, along with Olympic hero and now professional boxer, Amir Khan to the stage.

The two fighters started the festivities with an attempt to sing Christmas songs, Jennings was the better singer with a confident version of Jingle Bells.

The boxers were joined by panto stars, wicked queen Ruth Madoc, and henchman Tony Scanell who received boos from the large crowds with Michelle Hughes as Snow White. The entire company and the boxers led the lights countdown.

Two hours of live music took place on the Flat Iron stage with the St Michael's cheerleaders putting on an impressive acrobatic cheerleading routine and Jay Em stage school rounding off the free show with some musical theatre numbers.

Michelle Graham, organiser of the event for the South Lancashire Arts Partnership, said: "The Chorley lights switch on is one of the most community friendly events of the year and brings together lots of groups through our participatory community arts work."

The whole evening was recorded for a Slap DVD. The event was supported by the borough council's leisure and cultural services and Market Walk.