THE countdown to Christmas has well and truly begun in Horwich after the festive lights switch-on lit up the night sky on Friday.

Cllr Sue Denton, town mayor of Horwich, flicked the switch to light up the Horwich Civic Christmas Tree at the roundabout at The Crown.

After the switch-on, more than 100 people joined in with a short carol service conducted by Rev Graham Smith.

The music was provided by the band from St Joseph’s RC High School and the choir from Horwich Parish CE Primary School.

Cllr Steve Rock, the leader of Horwich Town Council, said: “It was a really nice occasion to get Christmas celebrations underway.

“Despite it being a extremely cold night, there were more than 100 people there. It is great to see people spreading a bit of Christmas spirit in Horwich.”