By Matthew Legg

Last updated at 15:29, Monday, 08 December 2008

Cumbria's most talented teenager became a marra for the day to launch Christmas in Whitehaven.

Singer Andrew Johnston with Copeland mayor Keith Hitchen

Andrew Johnston, the Carlisle chorister who shot to fame on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent, signed albums and posed for photographs with fans at St Nicholas’ Church and the town’s WHSmith store on Saturday.

The singer was appearing as part of a Christmas curtain-raiser that included market stalls, music and a visit from Santa.

Organiser Gerard Richardson said Andrew was such a hit he hoped to book him for an open air concert in the town next year. Mr Richardson said: “We’ve had some big stars in Whitehaven this year, from the Queen to Status Quo, but Andrew tops them all.

“He was absolutely fantastic, a real star. He had time for everyone, nothing was too much trouble and he made a real impression on the town.

“He really made the day special. I can’t speak highly enough of him.

“He was signing everything including café receipts and bus tickets!”

Santa also made an appearance for his pre-Christmas inspection on an open-top bus.

He distributed sweets to children while assessing if they’d been good enough to make it onto his list.

The town held a Christmas fair with Made in Cumbria stalls and music from local groups,including Whitehaven Brass Band and a selection of 1950s favourites sung by the Rosehill Rat Pack and Rosehill Lollipop, two groups of young Frank Sinatra fans.

It is hoped the event – sponsored by the Low-Level Waste Repository at Drigg – can become an annual fixture.

First published at 11:28, Monday, 08 December 2008
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk