WE asked celebrities in the town about their memories of past Christmases - and asked them how they would be spending the big day this year. Here are their replies.

PATRICK McGuinness, plays bouncer Paddy in Channel 4's acclaimed Phoenix Nights

What are you doing for Christmas this year?

I love being at home at Christmas with the roaring fire on and Superman on the telly and having a proper dinner with my family.

When was your best ever Christmas?

The one that sticks in my mind was when I saw my mum wrapping up a big box and I thought, 'she's done it, she's got me a mini hi-fi'. I thought she'd pulled out all the stops because we didn't have a lot of money so I was really excited.

When Christmas Day came I ran into the front room and ripped off the wrapping. But it was a foot spa. My mum said she remembered me asking for one when I was six-years-old. So there I was 10 years later eating my turkey with my foot in the spa so as not to upset my mum.

What would be the most perfect Christmas for you?

Being with my family.

Will you be making a New Year's resolution?

I've got to lose some weight so next year's the time to do it. And I also resolve to help world peace but I don't know how I'll do that.

ANDREW Whyment, former Royle Family actor and Kirk in Coronation Street.

What are you doing for Christmas this year?

I plan to spend time with my family, sit down and have a great meal. Things are a bit different for me now I've got my own house but I'm really looking forward to Christmas this year.

When was your best ever Christmas?

Probably when I was eight-years-old and I got an electric guitar and amplifier. It got me into playing music and it was the best present I could have got.

What would be the most perfect Christmas for you?

For my family to be really happy and for us all to have a lovely time.

Will you be making a New Year's resolution?

No. I don't believe in them.

FRED Dibnah, famous steeplejack and well-known TV celebrity

What are you doing for Christmas this year?

I'll probably get drunk like everyone else but this year I'm off with my wife to her flat in Blackpool.

When was your best ever Christmas?

When I was a child, I suppose, but as you get older Christmas seems to become worse and worse mainly because it starts at the beginning of November and goes on for weeks and weeks.

What would be the most perfect Christmas for you?

Being with my wife.

Will you be making a New Year's resolution?

I gave up smoking years ago. I'll probably cut down on Guinness and help trim the waistline.

VERNON Kay, TV presenter

What are you doing for Christmas this year?

Probably, on Christmas Day, recovering from the excesses of Christmas Eve. Then it's the day at home with my family in Lostock for a traditional Christmas dinner. I'll also take time to go over to Stockport to visit my girlfriend, Tess.

When was your best ever Christmas?

When I was a kid I suppose, believing in Father Christmas. Still do of course, 'cos he IS real.

What would be the most perfect Christmas for you? Every Christmas is perfect. I love being with my family and friends and generally having a good time.

Will you be making a New Year's resolution?

Nope.There's no point

SUZANNE Shaw, former Hear'Say singer

What are you doing for Christmas this year?

Christmas is going to be busy for me this year. I'll be visiting my family first of all but I'll be spending Christmas Day with my fiancee. My mum's coming to London on Boxing Day and then we're going to France to see my fiancee's dad.

When was your best ever Christmas?

I think all those times when I still believed in Santa. I always remember the one year I woke my mum up at some ungodly hour and was convinced I heard reindeers on the roof.

What would be the most perfect Christmas for you?

The one I'll be having this year is as perfect as it could be with my family and my fiancee.

Will you be making a New Year's resolution?

Yes, but I'm not telling you. If there is something I would like to change though is not to take things too seriously.

SARAH Whatmore, Top 10 solo singer and ex-Pop Idol contestant

What are you doing for Christmas this year?

Going home for two weeks, chilling with my family, eating lots of food and just enjoying partying with my mates.

When was your best ever Christmas?

My best was when I was 12 and got a karaoke machine.

What would be the most perfect Christmas for you?

My most perfect Christmas would be to relax and get lots of presents. A Ferrari would be nice.

Will you be making a New Year's resolution? Yes, not to be so over critical to myself and to get a number one hit record.

SAM Allardyce, manager of Bolton Wanderers Football Club.

What are you doing for Christmas this year?

I will be with my family this Christmas. It is always a special time in the Allardyce household.

When was your best ever Christmas?

Don't really know.

What would be the most perfect Christmas for you?

Twelve points over the Christmas period would be fantastic. I know the team is good enough to get out of the relegation zone.

Will you be making a New Year's resolution?

No.