RAIN failed to dampen the festive spirit for both Santa and spectators as Middlebrook Retail and Leisure Park celebrated its Christmas lights switch-on.

Families braved the wet weather on Saturday to meet reindeer, famous faces and Father Christmas at the centre in Horwich.

Panto star and ex-Coronation Street actor Graham Hawley joined former Bolton Wanderers player Tony Kelly, as well as Santa and his elves, to switch on the lights just as the rain stopped.

Graham, who has played killer John Stape in the soap for four years, took a break from rehearsing as Baron Vontightwad in Jack and the Beanstalk at Bolton Whites Hotel to pop along to the event.

He said: “It was great and I’m really glad it stopped raining for the switch on!

“I got booed by some of the children, who know me as a panto villain. It’s really lovely to be here and nice to see so many people come out for it.

“This time of year is always nice and I’ve just said hello to Santa so it’s definitely the start of Christmas!”

Jessica Weir, aged 7 from Aspull, won the star prize of riding with Santa on the reindeer parade and joining the line-up to switch on Christmas lights.

In the crowds, three-year-old Sienna Taylor, from Astley, was making the most of the day and got to meet some of her favourite characters, including Spiderman and sisters Elsa and Anna from Disney’s Frozen.

She was joined by her dad Paul, aged 36, and granddad Ron, aged 70.

Paul said: “This has been superb, really good.

“It’s the first time we’ve been but it won’t be the last, we’ve loved it.”

Sarah Cowell, 32, from Blackrod, came along to show her two children Joshua, 5, and Holly, 2, the Christmas lights.

She said: “The kids are really enjoying it and are really excited to see Father Christmas.

“We came last year, and it’s a shame about the weather today but it’s still really nice.”

Heather Crank-Ingham, marketing executive for Middlebrook, added: “The rain didn’t wash us out!

“This year has gone very well and we are really pleased to see so many people come down, enjoy themselves and welcome in Christmas at Middlebrook.”

Santa's Grotto at Middlebrook was open for free for the evening.