GUISELEY'S first ever Christmas lights switch on was launched in style by Olympic champions Alistair and Jonny Brownlee.

The triathlete brothers did the honours on Sunday after a local campaign to improve the festive display. The area's MP Stuart Andrew had gathered together a team of people to raise money to add a little more festive cheer to the town. The event began with a Christmas Market and entertainment before the switch on and firework display.

Mr Andrew said: "This was the first year we have held the event and the support from our community was wonderful, it far exceeded our expectations. We are continuing to fundraise throughout the year so that we can build on this year’s success with an even bigger event next year. I would like to thank the Brownlee brothers for doing the honours and switching on the lights, all of the entertainers who took part, our sponsors and most of all our community for supporting the event."

He added: "There is no doubt that local people felt a little left out when it came to our Christmas Lights but we have come together to launch the Guiseley Christmas Lights appeal to rectify the situation. Providing such lights is very expensive an so we are embarking on a project over the next few years so that the whole town will get the festive lights it deserves."