OPERA starlet Grace O’Malley sprinkled a little bit of Disney magic as Padiham’s festive lights were switched on.

Not only did Grace perform Oh Holy Night for the hundreds who had assembled outside Padiham Town Hall for the Yuletide show, the 16-year-old Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar student also brought out Olaf, the hero of children’s favourite Frozen, while she sang hits from the seasonal blockbuster.

Later she said: “It was just an idea I had and it really seemed to go down well with the kids. I’ve performed at the lights switch-on for a few years and I wanted to do something special this year.”

Earlier pupils from Padiham Primary School, who have an upcoming date at Blackburn Cathedral, enjoyed some open-air rehearsal time, belting out traditional and modern Christmas numbers.

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Town mayor Coun Howard Hudson, who performed the official switch-on, said: “This has been an absolutely fantastic night and Padiham can be very proud.”

And 2BR presenter Helen Wakefield, who hosted the night, which is arranged by Padiham Town Council, added: “Such a lot of hard work is put in by the town council and everyone who contributes is a volunteer.”

Padiham Rotary collectors were on hand as part of their annual Santa collection and The crib was blessed by the Rev Mark Jones, of St Leonard’s Church, before the night was rounded off with a huge fireworks display over Burnley Road.

In the town hall ballroom, a Christmas charity market took place, with everyone from the PadihamCommunity Fund to HAPPA and the Retired Lancashire Police Dogs Benevolent Fund represented. and the queue to see Father Christmas snaked around the building.

In the town hall car park there was also a children’s fun fair and a variety of market and hot food stalls.

Ruth Appleyard, 52, from Todmorden, who attended the night with grandchildren Maisie and Tom, said: “I’ve never been before but this was a lot bigger than I expected. And the children loved it when Olaf came out.”