SCHOOLCHILDREN lit up Farnworth town centre during the annual switch-on of the Christmas tree lights.

Pupils from Little Lever and St James' secondary schools made lanterns specially for the event on Friday night.

The children also took part in a parade, leading people to the festive celebrations by the tree in Brackley Street with a host of colourful decorations.

Harper Green Secondary School also added to the magic. Children in the school choir sung festive songs to entertain the crowd. Music was provided by Little Lever Brass Band, with pupils from the Little Lever Music Centre. Carols were sung outside Asda and the lights were switched on by the Mayor and Mayoress of Bolton, Cllr John Walsh and his wife Christine.

Westhoughton Mayor, Cllr Jo Worthington, switched on the town's tree lights in Ditchfield Gardens, Market Street, as people gathered around the tree to join in the celebrations on Friday. And once the lights were on to mark the start of the festive season, the group joined in at the Christmas carol service.

Are you Christmas crackers and intend to light-up the front of your house this festive season?

If so, give the newsdesk a call on 01204 537270, or e-mail us at bennewsdesk@boltoneveningnews.co.uk