All dreaming of a bright Christmas

CHADDERTON will be sparkling tomorrow when its Christmas lights are switched on.

Chaddy the Owl will press the button to light up the town centre along with St Herbert’s RC Primary School pupils Ellie Faulkner (10), Tristan Jones (11) and Amy Prince (10).

They were chosen after they won a competition to say why they should perform the ceremony.

Classmates Cyle Bell and Claire Bradburn, both eight years old, are the first Chadderton prince and princess and will help Father Christmas on the day.

The popular Christmas market, introduced last year, returns with more stalls including handmade cards, sweets and chocolates, bric-a-brac, mulled wine, a barbecue, jewellery and a roundabout.

It is open from noon to 7pm in the precinct where bands and pupils will perform carols throughout the day. Town crier Reg Lord will also attend.

The switch-on takes place at 6pm and the illuminations, regarded as among the best in the borough, and have grown over the years thanks to the work of volunteers and co-opted members from the area committee.

Lights on the town hall, library, sports centre, Middleton Road trees and precinct have been extended this year with a new greetings banner in the shopping centre and displays on the lamp-posts in the main road.

They will be blessed by Father Alan Cooke, vicar of St Mark’s Church.

Michael Johnson, a member of the Christmas lights team, said: “We are hoping that the weather will be as fine as last year and it promises to be the best switch-on yet.

“It certainly brings the community together which is what we want.

“The shops in the precinct stay open late and some of the staff dress up so it is a wonderful atmosphere.

“There is also a crib in the entrance to Asda.”