Chairman of Pudsey Lights Committee, ex-president Keith Thompson points the accusing finger at another ex-president, Robert Key with 'Old Pudsey' in the background"

The celebrity flipping the switch this year was non other than Mr. Nearly Nasty from Emmerdale, Eric Pollard (actor Chris Chittell).

The synchronisation of lights and fireworks was perfect and the dazzling display brought forth oo's and ah's from all directions.

Whist we were waiting we were well entertained by the silly antics of two big lads dressed up in ugly sister dresses, Stewart and Geoff Beaumont and of course Mr. Limelight himself, Robert Key, clad in clowns cap and bells and full regalia, prancing and dancing among the crowd.

A demonstration of how it must be if you're young and fit, attractive and female and can do it to music, by members of the new Bodyline facility at Pudsey Leisure Centre warmed our cockles up a bit.

Jon Hammond from Radio Leeds gave a very professional slot in the proceedings, which were wound up to a climax by local radio Pulse presenters and compere Elisa Hilton who held it all together to the end.

Councillor Mick Coulson presented the prizes to winners of the children's Poster Competition and the parade had lots of interest, especially the 'Special Olympics' team from the Pudsey Gateway Club.

It would be wrong to say that the event would falter without Rotary involvement, but we have had a hand in it for some years now. Leading the committee, after many years of sterling service from Ray Dean, are ex Presidents Keith Thompson (Chairman) and Robert Key along with Lesley Key, Julie Booth, Alison Whelan and Peter Jackson.