CHILDREN'S faces beamed with delight as Father Christmas paraded through Eastgate Shopping Centre, Basildon, to take up residence in his grotto.
He was preceded by youngsters' favourites the Tweenies, a brass band and a host of entertainers who delighted the crowds before leading the countdown to the lights switch on, at 10.30am on Saturday.
Teenager Vickie Bristow, who suffers from cerebral palsy, was in charge of flicking the switch, prompting the Christmas lights to flood the shopping centre with festive cheer.
Vickie, the subject of an Echo campaign which aimed to help her learn to walk, smiled as she lit up the building.
She said: "I think it all looks really nice.
"I did not know it would be this big.
"I am going to go and see Santa although I do not know what I want for Christmas."
Published Monday, November 11, 2005
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