Peppa Pig starts Christmas countdown

CHILDREN'S favourite Peppa Pig brought a smile to the faces of hundreds of youngsters at the big switch-on of a shopping centre's Christmas lights.

Families packed out CrownGate Shopping Centre to catch a glimpse of Peppa Pig and brother George who helped to launch the festivities on Thursday (November 15).

The cartoon characters met with their adoring fans throughout the afternoon before joining competition winner Matthew Griffiths, five, who pressed the button to illuminate the centre.

Erica Burlace, CrownGate centre manager, said: “It was wonderful to see so many families here in the centre, meeting Peppa Pig and George and enjoying the festive atmosphere, especially our lovely lights switch-on winner Matthew, who was a joy to host."

Earlier thousands of people had packed out the High Street to enjoy the festivities ahead of the city's main Christmas lights switch-on.

The drum-beat of the Samba Santas kept the crowds entertained until the Mayor of Worcester Coun Roger Berry was joined by Stanley Road Primary School pupils Molly Telfer and Hafsa Shafqat in pushing the plunger to start the city's countdown to Christmas.

Buy photos» Worcester Mayor Roger Berry helps Hafsa Shafqat, seven, and Molly Telfer, six, turn on the city's Christmas lights. 4712003MMR5

Buy photos» Broad Street's new look Christmas lights bring an explosion of colour to the start of late night shopping. 4712003MMR9

Buy photos» The Samba Santas keep the crowds entertained as they wait for the big switch-on. 4712003MMR1

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