HUNDREDS of people turned out to see York's countdown to Christmas start in style.

Presenter Richard Whiteley, host of TV's Countdown, was at Monks Cross Shopping Park last night to flick the switch and light up the dazzling festive displays adorning the complex.

The Evening Press-sponsored event delivered a packed programme of entertainment which wowed the crowds before the big switch-on.

Hirsty's Morning Glory Crew, from Viking FM, got the party started with some quick-fire quips and a rendition of crooners' favourite Mack The Knife.

York's biggest and best party band, Huge, helped to keep out the cold with some foot-stomping, hand-clapping, arm-waving entertainment, which soon put hot-dog- munching youngsters and mums and dads in the party mood.

But the biggest cheers of the night went to York's pop hopeful Hayley Bamford, who is bidding for fame on TV's must-see Pop Idol show tonight. A funfair accompanied the musical entertainment and the Minster Lions' ever-popular Rocking Rudolph float was also a big crowd-pleaser.

Guest of honour Richard Whiteley arrived on an open-top tour bus and was introduced to the crowd by York's town crier John Redpath as "the world's best-known Yorkshireman".

He was joined on stage by Evening Press mascot Wobby, York City's Yorkie The Lion, cast members from the Grand Opera House's panto Dick Whittington, Monks Cross's Mickey The Monkey, and Santa Claus.

The Countdown king joked that the switch-on countdown would be just ten seconds and not the 30 that contestants on his show are given.

Without further vowels or consonants, the countdown ticked away and brought the event to its climax with the lights bursting into life and a stunning firework display lighting up the night sky.

Updated: 09:38 Saturday, December 01, 2001