THOUSANDS of people descended on Halesowen town centre lights switch-on on Saturday.

Halesowen's very own tennis superstar Jordanne Whiley MBE was given the honour of turning the lights on at 5pm.

Black Country Radio provided entertainment on the stage throughout the day and there stalls throughout the town centre.

Dan Richards, Black Country Radio DJ, said: "It was a pleasure for Black Country Radio to be out and about in the area and switching the lights on in Halesowen.

"Being a local boy who grew up in the town, it was great to see the high street full of people and so many local businesses and traders out in force."

He added: "A huge thank you to Jordanne for coming down too.

"She's the most successful tennis player Great Britain has ever had with a string of titles and medals to her name - but most importantly she's a local girl from Hasbury and that's what brought the crowds out in force."

He added: "The work that Wayne Edwards and the team behind the day put into it was second to none. A thoroughly enjoyable day for everyone involved "

Wayne Edwards, chairman of Halesowen Chamber of Commerce, added: “It seemed like we had more people than last year when there were 43,000 people in the town.

“Everyone had a great day in Halesowen and it was great to see so many families out in the town enjoying themselves with no trouble at all."

He added: “Jordanne Whiley was brilliant, it was a real privilege to have her on the stage."

Miss Whiley shared photos of the day to her fans on social media of the festivities adding: "I had a lot of fun in Halesowen switching the Christmas lights on."