Getting ready - Hereford and the county's market towns gear up for the festive season.

Shopkeepers will reflect the pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk in their window displays this year.

Hereford's historic city centre will come alive this year when it gives way to pantomime characters from Jack and the Beanstalk: Jack, Princesss Rosebud, Dame Florrie Bunda and Muriel the cow are determined to stop the giant from stealing Christmas...

Hereford's High Town is set to 'sparkle' when the Christmas lights will illuminate the city on November 14 at 7pm.

The Mayor of Hereford, Cllr Sue Andrews, will perform the switching on ceremony with the aid of characters from the Courtyard's pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk.

Jack, Princess Rosebud, Dame Florrie Bunda and Muriel the cow are determined to stop the giant from stealing Christmas, but in order to succeed, they require audience participation.

The live outdoor performance,complete with lights, sound and special effects will be accompanied by plenty of magic and surprises.

Other attractions include the first Christmas Farmers' Market at High Town on November 15 and the following day a carousel and other children's rides will be set up throughout the period.

The committee also aims to provide a central Christmas tree adorned withwhite lights.

The even marks the launch of the Hereford City Partnership christmas programme.

Jack and the Beanstalk which is sponsored by Tesco will run at the Courtyard in Hereford from December 13 to January 12.

Further information concerning the pantomime is available by calling 011432 359252.Chrysanthemums can be propagated by cuttings, grown from seed or bought as complete plants.

Rather than running another window dressing competition at Christmas, the Hereford City Partnership is asking shops this year to reflect the Jack and the Beanstalk theme in their window displays. it could be as simple as surrounding the window with stalks and leaves or including a pot of jelly beans in your display.