ABOUT 3,000 people went to the annual Light up the Lane event in Pitshanger on Saturday evening.

After a year of raising money for new festive lights, the Mayor of Ealing, Councillor Rajinder Mann, MP Steve Pound and Pitshanger Community Association's (PCA) Dave Wallis counted down to the big switch-on.

Blue and white lights twinkled throughout the evening as hundreds of families indulged in mulled wine, mince pies and The Kent pub's hog roast while looking round the shops, which had stayed open late for the occasion.

Santa was a big hit with the children as he strolled around giving out sweets to good boys and girls, and the crowds were entertained by Peter's Puppet Theatre, a magician, a barber-shop quartet, Ealing Rock Choir and St Benedict's School's Samba Band.

Beth Gregory, of PCA, said: "Thanks to hours of effort from Pitshanger's team of hard-working volunteers and, despite the decidedly cold winter chill, a wonderfully heart-warming evening of community fun was had by all.

For many though, the highlight of the evening was the stage show that took centre stage in the lane.

"With performances of carols and Christmas songs by North Ealing Primary School, Crescendo and Ealing Rock Choir plus St Benedict's Samba Band and dance groups, the biggest screams of the night were reserved for teenage rock group, Height Order."

Christina Dmytryk, Ealing Rock Choir leader, said: "There was an electric atmosphere. Rock Choir sounded fantastic and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

"There were a few last-minute nerves but as soon as the music started, everything came together. Many Rock Choir members haven't sung since school days and were very shy of singing in front of others before joining, so it is a real accomplishment for them to sing in front of an audience at a big event."

Marek Nalewajko, marketing director of St Benedict's, said: "It was a lovely atmosphere, with the lane closed to traffic and a good turnout on a very cold evening.

"The beat of the drums got feet tap-ping and hands clapping, just what was needed to warm body and soul. The audience loved it and the samba band got to perform an extra piece at the end."

* For more information about the annual Light up the Lane event, visit www.pitshanger.org.uk