BIDFORD is set to sparkle brighter then ever this Christmas with or without a star to perform the annual switch on.

The Christmas lights committee may not as yet been successful in finding a celebrity to do the honours but the display is going to be bigger and better this year.

Committee member, Pete Batacanin said: "It all started with a group of people back in June 1999 who wanted to create Christmas lights for Bidford.

"We started from scratch, got lots of sponsorship and bought 30 stars with lights on them. Then we found sponsorship for 30 more, and over the years the display has grown.

"Last year the lights spread down the High Street into an old oak tree in the church yard, and this year we are going to light up another tree in the High Street."

Also on offer at the event planned for November 30, is a whole host of attractions including Christmas carols, gift stalls, Irish dancing, jazz and there's mulled wine and mince pies on offer.

Mr Batacanin, a former policeman said: "It will be a great event with a really lovely atmosphere for villagers and visitors alike."

Over the years a number of stars have volunteered their services, such as Suzannah from Brookside and last year Ash from Casualty. Mr Batacanin said: "The event is all set to start at about 5pm on the day, and I am confident that by the 30th the residents of Bidford will have someone really well-known to turn on their lights."