THERE wasn't quite the hysteria as during the official switch-on, but Westfield's somewhat unusual decision to hold a ceremony to mark the turning OFF of its Christmas lights still attracted a healthy crowd.

Last month, thousands of teenagers queued for hours to watch pop sensation Justin Bieber perform and illuminate the shopping centre's festive bulbs.

And while the official switch off starring Scottish singer KT Tunstall didn't quite attract the same level of interest, the ceremony was all for a good cause - to spread the message of the World Wildlife Fund's Earth Hour.

The event involves millions of people around the world switching off their lights for one hour on March 31. Last year, Earth Hour, which began in 2007, spanned 135 countries and is set to be even bigger in 2012.

Black Horse and the Cherry Tree star Tunstall is an ambassador for the project. She said: "It's such a simple, powerful campaign and it's a great feeling to be joining many millions of others around the world who care and are taking action. I really hope people feel inspired to sign up and switch off their lights on March 31."

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