HUNDREDS of people braved the bitterly cold weather to watch as entertainer Keith Harris and Orville the Duck switched on Crewe's Christmas lights.

Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council planned a packed programme of entertainment to mark the official launch of the festive season and late-night shopping on Thursdays.

Families crowded into the town centre to see the entertainer, accompanied by borough mayor Terry Beard, perform the switch-on after a countdown.

Also putting in an appearance were the cast from this year's Lyceum Theatre panto, Cinderella, in which Keith plays Buttons.

As the lights went on, a giant pumpkin prop from the panto released 1,000 bright yellow balloons into the sky and a fireworks display was also right on cue.

Music was provided by the Signal roadshow with presenters staging a variety of competitions, including karaoke for those brave enough to perform their party piece on the platform.

Haurel and Lardy, a tribute to the famous slap-stick duo, grabbed much of the limelight as they toured Crewe in their 1924 Model T Ford all afternoon.

Christmas messages and brightly coloured lights were projected on to the side of Marks & Spencer and What Everyone Wants to add to the atmosphere of Thursday's memorable evening.

Town centre manager Elaine Dodd said: 'Crewe was truly buzzing despite the rain. It was amazing to see so many people turn out.

'Everyone appeared to have a good night and were very complimentary about Crewe's new Christmas lights.

'This year the council has really pulled out all the stops to bring festive cheer.

'We hope people will stay in the borough to do their Christmas shopping. It beats queueing in traffic to go elsewhere.'

Late-night shopping until 9pm will take place each Thursday in the run up to Christmas in Crewe town centre and Nantwich Road.

Most larger shops in Nantwich will also stay open.