SUNDERLAND captain Jason McAteer helped launch a red and white Christmas last night.
The player was joined by team-mates Paul Thirlwell and Julio Arca, and stars of Sunderland Empire Theatre's pantomime, Cinderella, children's TV presenter Kate Heavenor and actress Jean Fergusson, to switch on the city's 50,000 lights with Mayor Juliana Heron.
Mr McAteer said: "I know that the illuminations switch-on is a much-loved event in the city's calendar as it signals the start of Christmas in the city and we're delighted to be a part of it.''
Sunderland again received a Christmas tree from the Norwegian city of Stavanger, which was presented by vice-consul Lisbeth Lorentzen.
The switch-on also featured carols by pupils of the Diamond Hall Junior School.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article