THE countdown to Christmas in Dorchester began as crowds flocked to this year’s Cracker event.

Hundreds gathered to see the town sparkle like a Christmas tree yesterday evening when Coronation Street star Danny Young, who is starring in the Weymouth Pavilion pantomime, switched on the lights at the annual festive extravaganza.

Dorchester’s Christmas Cracker might have missed out on a snow shower but a snow machine compensated for this complimenting the event theme of ‘A White Christmas.’ The sound of live music and Christmas songs filled the air and the scent of hot chestnuts, candy floss, doughnuts and burgers wafted through the streets.

Shoppers took the opportunity to enjoy late night shopping at the Chamber of Commerce-organised event, while others simply enjoyed the atmosphere outside while keeping warm with a cup of mulled wine.

A parade of lanterns led by Father Christmas lit up South Street before Danny Young, who is playing the lead role in Peter Pan, switched on the lights alongside Dean Winters, who is playing Smee, and Cerne Abbas teenager Danielle De-Bear, who has competed in beauty queen contests.

Danny said: “I was really happy and proud to turn on the lights.”

The star, who is best known as Warren in ITV’s Coronation Street and for his appearance on ITV’s Dancing On Ice, added: “It’s the first time I’ve been to Dorchester and I Ioved it.

“I’m really looking forward to performing at the Pavilion – it will be a great show.”

Organiser Denise Addison, Dor-chester’s Chamber of Commerce president, said: “Although it was cold, it was fine and that encouraged people to come out. It was full of good cheer.”

Mayor of Dorchester, Les Phillips, said the evening went ‘very well’ and he thanked people who put so much work into organising it.

Dorchester Town Crier Alistair Chisholm added: “It was nice to see the people of Dorchester enjoying themselves.”