Emmerdale star Joe Warren Plant switched on the Christmas lights at Briarcliffe Kennels, a year after the front yard was destroyed by a car crashing through a fence.

The community of Thornton came together on a rainy evening to watch a dazzling light display being switched on at the Homeless Hounds dog shelter – with a surprise appearance from Emmerdale’s Joe Warren Plant.

It was a moment for celebration for volunteers at the kennels, on River Road, as all of the decorations were destroyed last Christmas when a car ploughed into the front garden.

Uninsured driver crashed through Christmas display

A volunteer explained: “Last year not long after the Xmas lights were switched on, an uninsured driver crashed through our Christmas displays and ruined lots of it. We’ve had to get it all new or donated. “

Joe, who plays Jacob Gallagher in the ITV soap opera, described it as an ‘amazing’ community event, for a good cause.

Emmerdale star turns up at ‘wholesome’ event

After flicking the switch, Joe said: “I wasn’t expecting so many people. It’s been a really nice, beautiful, wholesome evening to switch these incredible lights on.”

Santa also turned up for the event, and held a ‘Santa Paws’ grotto, alongside a festive market to support the Homeless Hounds charity.

Rescue dogs need homes

Joe added: “The team work hard all year round to rescue dogs and bring them to safety. Who doesn’t love dogs?”