CROWDS flocked to see Coronation Street star Vicky Entwistle light up Bury's Mill Gate Shopping Centre with festive cheer last night.

Vicky, who plays long-suffering Janice Battersby, was joined by the Mayor and Mayoress of Bury, Cllr Bill Johnson and his wife Joyce for the precinct's annual switch-on.

Vicky was given a warm welcome by hundreds of shoppers as she arrived on the platform in the centre's main square. She told the crowd: "I'm so excited about putting these lights on, I've never done this before. I hope I don't do it wrong!"

As part of the build-up, shoppers had been entertained by 14-year-old Bolton schoolgirl Hannah Morris, who reached the final of BBC talent show "Star for a night", and carols played by the Tottington Public Band. Former pop sensations "Right said Fred" also popped in on their way to perform at the Chicago Rock Cafe.