HUNDREDS of people counted down the final seconds before Chelmsford town centre's Christmas lights were switched on yesterday.

Essex Cricket Club's Ronnie Irani lit up decorations placed in trees and high above shops at 7pm to officially declare the festive season open.

As the sports star pressed the red button, fireworks flew into a crisp, clear night, when they were set off simultaneously from the grounds of Chelmsford Cathedral.

The loud ending was a climax to a day packed full of events, which started at 1pm with street performers walking up and down High Street.

Pudsey Bear joined in the fun by waving to crowds from a BBC Essex stage on the eve of tonight's Children in Need charity events, and Jo O'Meera, of S Club 7, was one of many entertainers who sang to help get everyone in a festive mood.

Town centre manager Cathy MacBride, who played a large part in organising the lighting-up ceremony, said about 2,000 people came out in the cold to see the lights turned on.

"It was a friendly family event. It was different to previous years, but a great foundation for future ones."

Meanwhile, Postman Pat and his cat, Jess, was on hand to help switch on the lights at Braintree Freeport shopping centre earlier this week.

He was watched by scores of youngsters, including children at Mannadale Nursery, in Witham Road, Black Notley, who helped make the 2ft fairy for the Christmas tree.

They teamed up with the Tutti Grille to produce the stunning centrepiece for the Christmas decorations.

In return for their hard work, Tutti Grille is making a donation to a charity, Hope for the Future, which the nursery works with.

It will be providing firewood for Romanian families to enable them to cook their own Christmas meals.

More in today's Evening Gazette

Published Friday, November 18, 2005