HUGE crowds gathered in Victoria Square for a dazzling evening of entertainment to mark St Helens' Christmas lights switch on.

Hundreds of young families - including many toddlers - watched a succession of talented local acts and personalities take to the stage on Saturday.

And there were screams from groups of teenage girls as sets were delivered by Britain's Got Talent stars Loveable Rogues and The Mend.

It is thought the crowd was one of the largest to have attended a St Helens Council run music event.

The Lancashire Hotpots kicked things off with a lively string of their witty folk music songs.

The St Helens lads led the way for a series of youngsters to showcase their talents, including singer songwriter Sophie Morgan, teen star Bradley Johnson and tenor, Tom Loughlin.

Children from Broad Oak and Queens Primary school choirs brought a festive feel to the event.

A selection of carols from Trinity Girls Brass Band and actors from The Citadel's pantomime added some tradition to the mix.

Meanwhile, there were cheers for boxing champion Martin Murray and St Helens hero Steve Prescott who were interviewed on stage by Wish FM's Chris Milow.

As a lighting show created Christmas images on the face of St Helens Town Hall, it was Prescott - joined by Mayor of St Helens, Geoff Almond, and The Mend - who performed the switch on.