Mark and Sam light up Merry Hill

Darlaston's Mark Rhodes and his TV partner Sam Nixon delighted hundreds of fans when they performed the annual Christmas lights switch-on at a Black Country shopping centre.

The duo took to the stage at Dudley's Merry Hill Shopping Centre last night and entertained the crowds for two-hours inviting youngsters to take part in games to win prizes.

Click on the image on the right to see more pictures.

Hundreds gathered to watch the performance which ended at 7pm with the switching on of the centre's festive lights. And the pair was given help in pushing the button from Coseley youngsters Megan, Sian and Rhianna Doleman who won the chance to join the presenters on stage.

The show also included performances by children's TV favourites the Zingzillas which the young audience enthusiastically clapped and sang along to.

Read the full story in the Express & Star.