DARWEN was left 'just a little bit' disappointed today when singer Gina G dramatically pulled out of the Christmas light switch-on ceremony.

The pop singer was due to perform her latest single 'Next 2 You' but a family emergency forced her to cancel at the last minute.

Hundreds of people braved the cold weather to watch the annual festive parade in the town centre.

Ex-Rovers skipper Colin Hendry was on hand to save the day, signing autographs and flicking the switch.

A statement on Gina G's Facebook page said: "Just wanted to let everyone know that Gina has had to cut her promo tour short and fly back to LA today due to matters getting worse with one of her children back home."

Coun Stephen Potter said: "We were told the day before that she had to dash back home because her daughter was ill.

"If she has a family problem then we understand."

Coun Potter added: "Colin was very well recieved, he's still a town favourite."

Gina G rose to fame in 1996 after entering the Eurovision Song Contest with her number one hit 'Ooh Aah...Just A Little Bit.'