ALMOST 5,000 people packed into Barnsley town centre to see the Christmas lights switched on.
Children’s TV favourites Paw Patrol and Mayor Coun Linda Burgess helped competition winner Kiera Clarke, seven, flip the switch to illuminate the town and X-Factor finalist Sam Lavery sent the crowd wild with her surprise stop off.
The talented teenager, who was given the boot from X-Factor two weeks ago, kept her visit a secret until minutes before she was due on stage.
Sam, 17, from County Durham, said it was her first time in Barnsley.
“I’m loving it,” she told the Chronicle
“I’ve had to keep it a secret. I’ve not been able to tell anyone where I’m switching the lights on. It’s been really hard.”
Read more in this weeks Barnsley Chronicle
