Christmas has well and truly arrived in Saddleworth and Oldham!

The scene at the Santa Dash in Uppermill on Saturday

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Christmas lights switch-ons and the eagerly-awaited Santa Dash meant it was a hectic first festive weekend in December for local people in Saddleworth and Oldham.

The Santa Dash took place on Saturday in Uppermill, and despite miserable weather conditions, upwards of 1,500 people took to the streets for the annual charity showpiece.

Organised by the Saddleworth Round Table, the Santa Dash led to a sea of red charging down the high street as runners paced through the 2k or 5k courses which stretched out of Uppermill and Greenfield.

The fourth annual event saw an appearance from the Mayor of Oldham, Councillor Javid Iqbal, as well as athletes from numerous running clubs in the area.

The annual lights switch-on followed the Santa Dash, culminating with a fireworks finale.

There were also Christmas lights switch-ons in Shaw, Lees, Delph, Greenfield, Diggle, Denshaw and Grotton.

Lights switch-ons are still to take place at Lydgate on Thursday (6.10pm), Springhead on Friday (6pm) and Dobcross on Saturday (5.30pm).

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