EXCITED pupils copped a very special guest for their school’s annual Christmas lights switch-on.

Millwood Primary Special School in School Street, Radcliffe was visited by Sir Peter Fahy, Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police, for a festive celebration.

As well as flicking the switch on the twinkling lights and tree to cheers from the children after a countdown, Sir Fahy also let a few lucky youngsters try on his hat for size.

Headteacher Helen Chadwick said: “We always like to have a really high profile celebrity to switch on the lights because lots of our pupils can’t make it to the big public switch-ons due to it being too crowded for them.

“We were delighted when Sir Peter said he could make some time to turn on our lights and he was great with the kids – he went on a tour of the school and let them try his hat on.

“Sir Peter loved the school and he gave us his three Christmas wishes for this festive season – for children to be kept safe, for burglars to stay at home and for mums and dads not to drink too much.

“It was such a magical time for the kids and it has really given them a boost at the beginning of the week.

“The only question now is who we will have as our celebrity guest next year!”

Millwood has previously attracted other big name guests with Danny Boyle taking time from planning the Olympic ceremony to open the £10 million school last summer.

Guy Garvey and Richard Jupp, lead singer and drummer of award-winning Ramsbottom band Elbow, turned on the Christmas lights last year.

This year the theme of the decorations, which were donated by school governor Caroline Rawstron, is Northern Lights.