By Pam McClounie

Last updated at 13:04, Monday, 30 November 2009

TV stars Phillip Martin Brown and Tachia Newall switched on Penrith’s Christmas lights on a cold day yesterday afternoon.

Phillip Martin Brown, left and Tachia Newall press the plunger

The actors, who play Grantly Budgen and Bolton Smilie in the BBC One drama Waterloo Road, braved the cold to take part in the festive switch-on.

Hundreds of people turned out to take part in the day of entertainment including a charity Santa dash through the streets, a lantern parade and pony rides.

As temperatures plummeted during the day, brave men, women and children dressed as Santa took to the streets to raise cash for Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland.

A 10-minute warm-up took place before the 4km dash.

The route covered King Street, Crown Square, Ullswater Community College, Clifford Road, Ullswater Road, Castlegate, Bluebell Lane car park, Middlegate, Devonshire Street before it finished at the Monument in the town.

Caroline Addison, of Hospice at Home, said: “Santa dashes take place across the country for local hospice charities and this was a first for Penrith.

“We would like to thank Penrith Chamber of Trade, Penrith Lions and the police for their help.”

First published at 11:22, Monday, 30 November 2009
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk