Dozens of people turned out to witness the switching on of the Christmas tree lights in Little Lever last night, Tuesday.

On a bitterly cold night, children, parents, and other residents joined councillors to celebrate the introduction of the festive season.

In the warmth of the town’s recently opened multi-million-pound library, children had the chance to meet Santa, take home a gift and chocolates, and entertain themselves with Christmas themed colouring in and word searches.

The Bolton News: Santa and his elf (Cllr Taylor-Burke) with some of the childrenSanta and his elf (Cllr Taylor-Burke) with some of the children (Image: Newsquest)

Hot drinks, mince pies and other sweet treats were on offer free of charge, while Christmas music provide a backdrop to the occasion.

Then, in the brisk wintery night, everyone made their way down to the Christmas tree stand opposite the memorial gardens.

After a brief speech from both Cllr Andrea Taylor-Burke and Cllr Sean Hornby, Santa led a countdown from 10, and on zero, the night’s sky was lit up with twinkling Christmas lights.

Cllr Taylor-Burke, who organised the event, said: “Part of wanting to become a councillor was the fact that I want to get the community back together.

"Not politics, it was more about community.

“Anything I do I get a positive turnout and it’s what people want – they want to be part of a community and I think we’ve lost that over the years.

“This is why I do the job. This is why I’m in it, and it reminds me of that every time I see people and I’m doing events in the library I realise that I do this job for the people here.

“I love where I live. I’ve got children here. My business is here. I work in the community, and it is really important, moving forward, that we get people back together.”

The Bolton News: Little Lever Christmas tree lit upLittle Lever Christmas tree lit up (Image: Newsquest)

Cllr Hornby added: “We chose not to do it last year because things were just getting back to normal so it’s three years since we last did it.

“It’s the first time we’ve been able to use our new library to its capacity which is making brilliant use of our new £5.1m asset.

“Little Lever has always been a close-knit community. I’m proud to represent the area and have done for a number of years.

“It’s nice to do something like this. “I think it’s absolutely brilliant considering the weather is so cold.

"All these people, all well behaved, family orientated.”

If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at lewis.finney@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @lewisfinney18.