WE said we would Go To Town this Christmas – and you all came, too.
Thousands of people flooded the streets of Grimsby last night to watch 11-year-old Jake Storr turn on the Christmas lights in the town centre, in the first of two days of festive fun.
And Jake, of Holton-le-Clay, made a new friend as celebrity Andy Moss – better known as Rhys from Hollyoaks – joined him on stage after being mobbed by screaming girls while walking around the town centre.
After Jake flicked the switch, he wished the crowd a Merry Christmas and they let off an enormous cheer for the brave lad, who underwent pioneering surgery in America to help him walk unaided following a £40,000 fundraising drive, backed by the Telegraph, earlier this year.
"This opportunity is a massive honour and achievement so thank you, and merry Christmas again," he added.
The switching on of the Christmas lights often marks the beginning of the Christmas season but this year, there were many more reasons to feel festive, because of the Go To Town This Christmas event, organised by the Grimsby Telegraph.
Stalls offering food and sweets from all around the world were lined up on Victoria Street, selling offerings for the night and to use with your festive feasts.
There was also the chance to pick up a few presents with an array of Freshney Place shops open late, a craft fair in St James' Square and street shops.
There was even a visit from Santa's sleigh – and Jake got to go for a ride in the magical vehicle.
He added: "I have been really looking forward to this – it's one of the most exciting things I've ever got to do.
"I want to thank the community for choosing me to represent them, and especially those who voted for me.
"A lot of people have been so nice to me that I wasn't even nervous – just really excited.
"I've enjoyed every minute and loved all the stalls, riding on Santa's sleigh and I've seen lots of people I know."
Jake's dad, Gavin, said: "He's been through a lot this year, so it is great for him to get the opportunity to do this.
"This is the first event like this, so we didn't know what to expect, but we've thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and so many people have turned out."
And, while this year's festivities are not yet over, there are already plans in hand to make next year's event even bigger – with organisers hoping that in three years time, it could be as big as Lincoln Christmas Market.
Caroline Whelpton, head of new business for the Grimsby Telegraph, said: "The crowds are huge, everyone has loved it and the Hollyoaks star got mobbed by girls – everything went to plan.
"It is a great base to build on and we now look forward to building it in the future."
