IT certainly felt a lot like Christmas at the Middlebrook Retail and Leisure Park over the weekend when the festive lights switch on took place.

Entertainer and Bolton favourite Stu Francis joined Bolton Wanderers legend John McGinlay, Father Christmas, Lofty the Lion and Lofty Junior.

Families enjoyed live performances from local singers Harry Mondryk, Myth of Unity and Zoe Unsworth and entertainment from many other artists and performers.

Lucky Bolton Wanderer fan, Isobel Richards, won the star prize of riding with Santa on the reindeer parade and joining the line up to switch on Christmas lights.

Heather Crank-Ingham marketing executive for Middlebrook, said: "The event marks the start of Christmas shopping at Middlebrook and the day’s events were about getting shoppers into the festive spirit.

"It was also the launch of our Christmas grotto which is now open every weekend 11am to 4pm and our joint festive toy appeal with Bolton Wanderers, where we ask shoppers and Wanderers fans to donate a new toy for less fortunate children, which will be distributed to three local charities, Winston’s Wish, Fort Alice and Manchester Children’s Hospital."

The toys can be left at Argos and Smyth Toys in the special Viridor bins provided outside each store.