BRITAIN'S longest serving panto dame and his long suffering sidekick have 'secretly' switched on the Christmas lights at York's Coppergate Centre.

Berwick Kaler and Martin Barrass are set to star in Dick Turpin Rides Again at the Grand Opera House from December 11 until January 9.

The pair brought their usual comedy chaos to the switch-on ceremony, despite the lack of the usual crowds, said centre manager Pippa Unwin.

She said lights switch-on events normally drew a huge crowd but the centre hadn't wanted to encourage large groups of people huddling together against the November cold.

"We figured a secret switch-on would be the best option – and were thrilled to have Berwick and Martin along to push the plunger,” she said.

"Of course, there’s plenty of opportunity to come and see the lights, which will stay in place until the New Year – and a superb range of shops, food outlets and attractions to appeal to people of all ages for a traditional Christmas shopping experience!”

She added that the centre was becoming somewhat of a hub for street food, too, with freshly cooked wood-fired pizza, burgers and Greek food all on offer, plus hot drinks and snacks from the Café 21 pavement café.