SOUTH Essex soap star Kara Tointon was cheered by thousands of revellers as she flicked the switch to mark the start of the Christmas season in Basildon.

The skyline of Basildon was awash with confetti and lights as hundreds of revellers turned out for the town's Christmas light switch-on extravaganza.

Residents braved the sub-zero temperatures on Saturday and made the most of a packed day of events ahead of the festive tradition, which this year saw Kara Tointon doing the honours.

Kara, who was born in Bowers Gifford and lived in Southend and Basildon, joined Eastenders two months ago as a member of the Miller clan.

She is a former pupil of St Hilda's School in Westcliff and the Morgan Academy of Performing Arts in Fillebrook Avenue Leigh.

Published Monday, November 21, 2005