AN extra £4,500 worth of lights are set to illuminate Stourport for the festive season tomorrow night.

A total of £50,000 has now been spent decorating the town to get residents into the Christmas spirit, with Villeneuve-le-Roi gardens given a Yuletide glow for the first time.

A candlelit procession, Christmas carols and, of course, Santa will welcome in the season of goodwill when the parade starts from the sport centre car park, in Dunley Road, at 6pm.

Three towering 13ft kings - made by Lickhill Middle School - will lead the procession which townsfolk are being invited to join.

The Stourport Scout & Guide Band will provide the entertainment during the parade while a Thomas the Tank look-alike will entertain youngsters and carry the carnival queen and her attendants.

Father Christmas will put in a sens-sleigh-tional appearance at the back of the parade riding the bearded one's favourite mode of transport, courtesy of Stourport Rotary Club.

A collection will be taken for the mayor's charities and the lights will be switched on along Bridge Street and High Street in tandem with the parade.

The lights will be turned on by town mayor Stephen Clee and carnival queen Hanna Meacham at Villeneuve-le-Roi gardens.

The switch on will be accompanied by the sweet sounds of Lickhill Steel Band, Stourport High School Orchestra and Lickhill Middle School Choir.

Cafes and shops will stay open late, said parade organiser Pete Roberts.

He said: "People will have the chance to wander round the town - let's hope the weather is good!

"We are hoping for up to 5,000 people to watch the parade and we want to raise a good amount of money for local charities."

l Stalls for the Christmas Market in Bewdley are still available. The market is part of festivities at the town's switch-on on Saturday, November 29.

A parade leaves Wribbenhall at 5.15pm. For more information contact Ann Lyman on 01299 404226.