THE Christmas star on top of Blackburn’s Thwaites brewery was yesterday turned on by Accrington Stanley manager James Beattie.

The tradition has been honoured for more than 25 years.

The former Blackburn Rovers striker visited the Penny Street brewery in October as part of The Dambusters charity running team.

He joined staff at Thwaites’ visitor centre, including managing director Steve Magnall.

The Lancaster-born former Southampton goalscorer has a strong connection to the brewery as his dad worked there for many years.