Lights pull the crowds

EVENTS organiser and community police officer Christina Gee is pictured greeting Santa.

HUNDREDS of Chadderton residents bathed in a festive glow as the Firwood Park Estate kicked off its Christmas countdown with a big lights switch-on.

Huge local crowds wrapped up warm against the biting midwinter chill to sing carols and welcome Santa.

Chadderton town crier Reg Lord wished everyone the best for the season, while keen youngsters from Mills Hill Primary School sang carols, leaving everyone in no doubt that the seasonal festivities have well and truly started.