Leek residents have been thanked for helping to make the Christmas lights switch on such a success this year.

Leek mayor Cllr Lyn Swindlehurst also thanked all those who worked on the event for helping to create an evening "filled with friendship laughter and fun".

She said: "I'd like to thank everyone, both residents and visitors, for joining in on Friday evening, and making the event such a success. Lots of familiar faces, but also the opportunity to say 'hello' to visitors to our town. Thank you for coming along and I hope you'll return for more of our events in 2022.

"We are very fortunate in having so many talented individuals living in Leek. Artists, technicians, presenters as well as valued traders and community groups, and I want to thank the events subcommittee for the work they put into the event. Especially so closely following Remembrance Sunday.

"Evenings such as these are a reminder of how fortunate we are to live in such a lovely town. The evening was filled with friendship laughter and fun.. A welcoming experience in what are still difficult times for many of us."

Cllr Matt Swindlehurst, chair of events at the council, added: "The Town Council events sub committee and Council officers put together a large, hard working delivery team that were behind Friday night's Xmas lights event. Taking advice from the County Council covid committee, and SMDC's safety advisory group, the event was spread out across the town centre. Stalls were removed from Derby St to create more space, and the usual parade and countdown shelved to encourage those attending to spread out more.

"Fine weather, the day before a forecasted 'cold snap', had large crowds enjoying the evening.

"The market place, coordinated by Cllr Roy Molson, welcomed visitors, with stalls for traders and local community groups, supported by music and children's fairground rides. North Staffs Stormtroopers were collecting for Douglas McMillan, in memory of 'Locko'. with The Billerettes providing extra entertainment. Not forgetting a very busy 'Santa' and his helpful elf!

"Sparrow Park hosted a stage provided by Docksey's transport, with Moorlands Radio supporting sets by Jo Safina and Sound Party. A dedicated stage lighting set up complimented a fantastic laser show by Laser Hire. The latter funded by the government's 'Welcome Back' funding.

"Elsewhere, John Collins presented a wide range of rides in High St and Market St car parks.

"The Town Council would like to thank Leek Building Society, Leek Link Taxis, and Protech for their help in sponsoring the event. The Red Lion and ABC phone repairs for providing power for the stalls, music and Santa's grotto and last, but not least, Monty's chip shop for supplying tea and sausage and chips to two very grateful stewards!"