BIDFORD has managed to get another soap star in to turn on this year's Christmas lights.

Jane Gurnett, who plays motel manager Kate Russell in TV soap Crossroads, and has also appeared in BBC1 dramas Dangerfield and Casualty, will throw the switch to light up the village at a ceremony in the Square at 5.30pm on Sunday.

Jane follows in the footsteps of fellow actresses Karen Drury and Gabrielle Glaister, who have turned the lights on in recent years.

An evening of festivities will begin at 5pm, including Irish and Morris dancers, a pig roast and a whole load of other entertainment.

There will be carol singing with mulled wine and mince pies also available. Father Christmas is also scheduled to drop by.

Jane Crumpton, publicity manager for Bidford Christmas Lights Committee, said: "We have had 1,000 people in the Square before and it's such a nice occasion for the people of the village to get together."

She added: "Please come down to the Square. Not only will you have a wonderful time but you will help to support Bidford."