Peter Kay switched on Blackpool illuminations in front of thousands and declared it 'an honour'.

The Bolton comedian said: "It really is an honour - I have been coming to Blackpool all my life and I was here a few weeks ago with my kids.

"I remember eating fish and chips with my nan and grandad."

Peter flicked the switch as the finale to a show featuring performances from X Factor winners Little Mix, Union J, Pixie Lott and rock band Texas.

He said: "I feel a bit of a fraud. This isn't the real switch... there's a bloke called Asif from Blackpool Council round the corner and he's turning the lights on really."

Peter also announced that he would be performing a show at the town's Opera House for a women's refuge charity and tickets would be on sale next week.