HUNDREDS of people flocked to get a glimpse of Corrie star Jack P Shepherd when he switched on Stourbridge's Christmas lights.

The long-serving soap star, who is known to the nation as Coronation Street bad boy David Platt, joined the Mayor of Dudley to officially light up the town as part of Saturday's Christmas Festival.

Hundreds of Corrie fans turned out to see the star who chatted on stage before 'flicking the switch' at the event on Saturday December 3.

Stourbridge News:

The actor was in town courtesy of Chicago's nightspot which had booked him for meet and greet sessions on Friday night and Saturday afternoon.

Jamie Whittingham, manager of Chicago's in Stourbridge, said: "It went really well. We were quite surprised with how many people came into the venue on the Saturday; we had 200 to 300 people and they were queuing at the door at one point. It was a really good atmosphere and Jack was so down to earth."

Stourbridge News:

He added: "It was all about helping the community and getting more people into the town; it was really good."

Jack too got into the festive spirit and he told the News he was feeling Christmassy after his official switch-on duties - and also relieved to see the lights had turned on as planned.

The Mayor, Councillor Mohammed Hanif, said he was honoured to have had the opportunity to switch on the lights and he added: "It's been absolutely fantastic to be here in my home town. There's been a massive turn out."

And he added: "I'd like to wish everybody a Merry Christmas and good health for the festive season."

Cllr Hanif also judged the town's best dressed window competition which was won by Bright House in the Ryemarket.

Kelley Dyas, Ryemarket centre manager, said: "They made a grotto in the store themselves; they'd really gone to town."

The store scooped a trophy and certificate to mark their success.

Monroes hair salon in Market Street and Mary Stevens Hospice's Retrospective charity shop in Victoria Passage were voted runners-up in the competition.

The town's Christmas Festival also saw a host of festive entertainment and attractions laid on across the town including fun fair rides in Market Streets, market stalls in the High Street and Coventry Street, live music, a Lego workshop in the Ryemarket and Christmas jumper selfie competition. Mad Dom the elf on stilts also entertained little ones and youngsters were able to meet Santa in his grotto in the Ryemarket.

Stourbridge News:

Stourbridge News:

Kelley said: "We had a really good day; it was a really nice atmosphere."

She said the festive event proved a hugely successful day for the town thanks to joint working between the Ryemarket, Chicago's, LSD Promotions, Dudley Council and Stourbridge Chamber of Trade.

Santa's Grotto in the Ryemarket will be open every Saturday from 11am to 4pm in the run-up to Christmas.

The town's toy appeal, a partnership between The Ryemarket, Tesco and Wilko, also continues to run until Friday December 16.

People are invited to buy and donate a gift for an underprivileged youngster, who may otherwise not receive a present this Christmas.

Baubles on trees located at Tesco in the Crown Centre and outside Peacocks in the Ryemarket are earmarked with details of needy children for whom gifts can be bought and donated.

Presents can be dropped off at Tesco or Peacocks.