TRADERS and councillors feel that one area which could be improved to boost the town is Darwen's Christmas lights display.

While last year Blackburn had Royle Family star Ricky Tomlinson, a huge fireworks display and music concert, Darwen had a lower-key switch on.

A former Coronation Street actor Scott Kingston, who played the stripper Sam in the soap, switched on the display and signed autographs.

Traders feel that improving the Christmas lights would encourage people to come back to the town.

Eileen Guy, a market trader and chair of the Darwen Shop and Business Association, acknowledged that the town could not compete with Blackburn's lights display.

But she said Darwen could do better.

She said: "We can't compete with Blackburn because the Mall shopping centre pays for Christmas lights in the Mall.

"Darwen's are totally funded by the council.

"But I think Darwen could do with more Christmas lights."

Coun Michael Johnson, of the For Darwen Party, added: "One year Girls Aloud switched on Blackburn's Christmas lights - Darwen got some bloke from the local production of Aladdin.

"They get all the big names."