THOUSANDS of people packed into Victoria Square to see Olympic sensation, Amir Khan, mark the official start of the festive season in Bolton, by switching on the town's Christmas lights.

The crowd went wild when the 18-year-old Olympic silver medalist took to the stage for the big switch-on.

Amir and the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Frank White, pulled the switch to a rapturous reception as the town centre was lit up.

Amir said: "I can't believe I've been picked, it's such a big honour. I remember coming down to the big Christmas lights switch on with my mum and dad when I was young and seeing the famous people turn on the lights - I never thought it would be me standing up here. It's really exciting and I'm just happy to be soaking up the atmosphere."

Fireworks lit up the night sky to mark the climax of the two-hour extravaganza, which saw a host of stars take to the stage. Bolton Wanderers manager Sam Allardyce, top players Jay Jay Okocha and Nicky Hunt and mascot Lofty the Lion whipped the crowd into a frenzy, while X-Factor star Joanne Hindley, from Farnworth, performed a moving rendition of Fields of Gold.

The fun began at 5pm as the crowds, who refused to be discouraged by the freezing weather, began to gather in Victoria Square, where Tower FM presenters Fairclough and Vix presented the evening's entertainment. There were performances from Bolton Harmony Youth Project, Bolton Children's Workshop, the Albert Halls Panto cast, along with Stu Francis, who performed songs from Cinderella.

Whites' cheerleaders The Reebok Rebels, with players, Big Sam and Lofty the Lion got everyone in the mood to party, before NoHow Productions sang Christmas tunes, Walking in a Winter Wonderland and Frostie the Snowman.

Pupils from Dawn Dawson's Academy of Stage and Dance took to the stage and kept up the party mood, before the parade rode into Victoria Square.

Snowmen, lanterns and local children led Father Christmas to the stage before the big switch on.

Mayor, Cllr White said: "Bolton has some of the greatest people in the world and I want everyone to prove it to me this Christmas by remembering the Mayor's charity for the victims of the terrible earthquake because this time of year is about giving as well as enjoyment."

The party then continued with performances from Bolton girl group, Rio, and the Crazy Frog.