HUNDREDS of families turned out to welcome stars of stage and screen to Mid Cheshire this weekend.

Hollyoaks actors Nick Pickard and Daniel Hyde (chef Tony Hutchinson, and nightclub owner and ex-footballer Scott Anderson) lit up Winsford Cross Shopping Centre on Friday night, before Coronation Street's Samia Ghadie (Maria Sutherland) did the honours in Northwich on Saturday.

Winsford Cross quickly filled up with people eager to catch a glimpse of the soap stars as the entertainment began with a disco.

By the time the actors turned up the excitement had reached fever pitch, and the lights switch-on was accompanied by a spectacular fireworks show.

Shoppers then got the chance to meet the stars as they signed autographs and mingled with the crowd.

A spokesman for shopping centre owner Modus said: 'It was very successful and everyone had a great time. Tony and Scott certainly turned out to be very popular with the Winsford public.'

Meanwhile, a record crowd of almost 2,000 people joined Maria for the start of Christmas in Northwich.

Afterwards the soap star stayed on to sign autographs and chat to fans.

'She was absolutely delightful,' said town centre manager Paul Bosman. 'Nothing was too much trouble for her. She arrived an hour early and stayed on for an hour afterwards just so that she could meet everyone.'

The switch-on marked the climax of a day-long feast of fun and entertainment. North-wich ATC marching band, Middlewich big band Wychcraft, and dancers from Weaverham Corvettes and Quicksteps were among those taking part.