THE town's star-studded Christmas lights ceremony turned into a "near-nightmare" as crushed youngsters had to be rescued from the crowd.

Children were pushed over and trampled as people surged forward to see EastEnders actors Steve McFadden and Lucy Benjamin.

Fans had clambered to catch a glimpse of the celebrity couple, who "pushed the button" at the event in the Mill Gate shopping centre.

Hundreds of adults and children packed into Minden Parade standing shoulder to shoulder. At 6pm, the crowd surged forward to get closer to the Tower FM stage.

Seven-year-old Axel Davenport was with his family and friends when he was pushed to the floor in the crush and several people trampled on him. His father, Mr Mark Davenport, of Woodhill Road, said: "What should have been a very pleasant evening turned into a near-nightmare.

"As the crush ensued, my son was pushed to the floor and several people walked over him. Luckily he only has aches and pains, but this sort of thing happened at Hillsborough."

Shirley Howcroft, also of Woodhill Road, was at the event with her two daughters, Katy (12) and Sophie (8). She said: "Sophie was pulled from beneath the crowd in the crush. When I finally pulled her out she was so badly winded I was in two minds whether to take her to the hospital. My children were so upset and frightened and were still crying when we got home.

"Members of the audience were getting violent with one another. I have never seen anything like it."

Carol Stebbings, of Birch Street, Bury, is due to meet Mill Gate centre management today after her nine-year-old daughter Stephanie's toe was broken in the crush. She said: "This was a health and safety issue. A child could have been killed."

The stars stayed for 15 minutes and signed autographs. Steve McFadden, known to millions as soap hardnut Phil Mitchell, said: "Thank you for such a fantastic welcome. It's lovely to see you all here."

The Mill Gate management told the Bury Times that every precaution was taken to ensure the safety of customers, and in addition to normal event management measures, crowd barriers were erected and extra security personnel were brought in.

Manager Mr Colin Nichol said: "The staff at the Mill Gate are investigating the reported injuries further.

"The evening was enjoyed by hundreds of families. It gave the people of Bury the chance to welcome the start of Christmas and celebrate the occasion with two of their favourite television stars."