THERE were plenty of thrills and spills in Northwich town centre when the Christmas lights were switched on by ex Brookside star Mark Moraghan, alias Greg Shadwick, last Saturday.

Hundreds of people crammed into Weaver Square on Saturday as the rain held off -albeit momentarily, for this year's Christmas lights switch on.

The event threatened to be a damp squib after the heavens opened shortly after 11am, forcing organisers to rearrange their plans to include the whole town centre in the festivities.

Despite the valiant efforts of the Sutton School of Dance, who braved the heavy downpour to perform in the market area, they were eventually moved to the town square for shelter, along with the Weaverham Corvettes and Diamond School of Dance.

But town centre security manager Paul Bosman described the switch on as the most successful ever and said it was definitely an event to be proud of.

"It was very successful considering that it poured down for most of it," he said.

"But it's thanks to all the participants that it was such a fun day. At no moment did any of them moan and groan because of the weather. It was a very relaxed atmosphere and everyone who participated was absolutely fabulous."

Dream Team star Mark Moraghan, who also played Greg Shadwick in Brookside, made his first visit to Northwich to switch on the lights, along with help from Vale Royal Mayor Clr Steve Gough, Wilbur Wyvern and the Guardian's very own Scoopy the Cat.

Spectators were also entertained by the 146 Squadron ATC Band who marched through the town centre from Brunner Court, the Hartford School of Gymnastics, Barnton Band, Steamhead Wandering Minstrels, stilt walkers organised by Vale Royal Borough Council's community partnership, and the Dixieland Quartet and Wychcraft Big Band, who performed in the square throughout the day.