A BOLTON street nicknamed Moss Vegas because of its dazzling Christmas lights has celebrated its big switch-on.

Residents in Mossfield Court, Halliwell, decorate the street every December and have even won a national award for the most festive street in Britain.

Three years ago residents were awarded £5,000 by GMTV which they donated to charity.

And they have continued the tradition of collecting money for charity from families and couples who travel to see the lights from across the town.

Moss Vegas was even used as the backdrop for a Peter Kay charity record. The Bolton comedian covered the street in fake snow last month as he filmed the video for his Christmas single, Once Upon a Christmas Song.

Resident Dave Scrutton, aged 38, who helped organise this year’s lights show, said: “It is great fun and there is such a good family feel to the street.

“Having Peter Kay down here was absolutely mad. “He donated £1,500 to our charity fund, too.

“We’re hoping to raise, may be, £3,000 or £4,000 this Christmas.” Mr Scrutton said the residents had chosen to give the money to the Royal Bolton Hospital’s neonatal unit.

The tradition of decorating the street started around 10 years ago when George Pardon-Bell decorated his home.

Mr Pardon-Bell died in 2004, but his neighbours continued decorating their homes to raise money for charity.

Peter Kay’s single, co-written with Take That’s Gary Barlow, will be released on Monday, December 15.