CHRISTMAS arrived with a bang as Leigh's festive lights were switched on.

Hundreds of people turned up to watch performances from Zoe Unsworth, Westleigh High School band and Stepz Dance Academy as well as entertainment including a fun fair and the chance to meet Santa Claus.

Clr Anita Thorpe was joined on stage by the Leigh Centurions and coach Paul Rowley before former Journal news editor Brian Gomm and the Mayor of Wigan, Clr Phyll Cullen switched on the lights.

Brian said: “I've covered many Christmas lights events for the Journal including the time my younger daughter jointly presented Ken Dodd with his Honorary Leyther certificate at the town hall following a switch-on ceremony.

“I'm just an ordinary person who enjoyed reporting on events in Leigh and surrounding districts during my journalistic career. It was my job and hopefully all the of words I wrote during almost 44 years with the Journal gave locals a fair insight into the weekly news in Journal-land.

“I met many interesting people with some amazing stories. I feel humbled that people should feel me worthy of turning on the lights and wish everyone all the best for the festive season and through 2015 and beyond.”

Leigh Journal:

Santa and his reindeer also made an appearance in Leigh on Saturday for the traditional parade through Leigh town centre.

He was joined by in Spinning Gate Shopping Centre by the Leigh Centurions and Cllr Cullen to turn on the Christmas tree lights followed by carol singing with Old Hall Brass Band.