THE Christmas lights ‘switch-on’ in Stevenston took place last Friday, with the evening as emotional an occasion as expected.

The event was dedicated to the late Shirley Morgan, who sadly passed away in May of this year.

She was very much a community champion, and organisers put in every effort to ensure the success of the event, in memory of “Mrs Christmas”.

Though a family friend said it would “take an army to pull of Christmas efforts like Maw Shiz”.

In the first Christmas event since her passing, the lights themselves were switched on by Shirley’s mother Anne Cochrane.

While a collection also took place throughout the evening for a lasting legacy to be left in Shirley’s honour.

READ MORE: Family of Shirley Morgan thank community after Stevenston woman's tragic death

Volunteers looked for donations to help fund next year’s lights turn on, as well as looking to raise money for a memorial light for late community stalwart.

Speaking prior to the event, councillor for Saltcoats and Stevenston John Sweeney commented on just how much effort went into the evening.

He said: “Many people have contributed a significant effort over several weeks to ensure this year’s event would be a success for the memory of Mrs Christmas, Oor Shirley.”

And it certainly seemed to be a success with the locals, who turned out in force to get into the Christmas spirit.

It was a typically chilly winter night but the rain stayed away as both Santa and the Grinch made an appearance in Stevenston.

The big lights switch-on was followed by a stunning fireworks display before the film ‘Christmas Chronicles’ was shown in the High Kirk Hall to round off the evening.

A huge well done to those who organised a great night in honour of a local legend.