The grand Christmas lights switch-on will take place in South Woodham on Saturday with help from Jane Omorogby who is also known as television Gladiator star Rio.

Over the past few weekends the town's Lions Club has been busy putting up decorations and lights in the town centre ready for the ceremony.

The day kicks off with entertainment ranging from jugglers and magicians, with the bandstand and market acting as focal points for events throughout the day.

The town's own stars Choirwood will be providing live music and the Salvation Army will sing carols.

Shops will be staging special events and there will be a town council Christmas Window Competition.

Hot chestnuts and mulled wine will be available before the official switch-on at 4.30pm by the Mayor of Chelmsford Michael Mackrory with Jane Omorogby.

The lights will be even brighter than usual this year thanks to a £3,000 grant from Chelmsford Borough Council which has meant additional displays.

Lion Allen James said: "The Lions are very grateful to the traders and Chelmsford Borough Council for their generosity, which will enable South Woodham to see in the new millennium in style, and to Peggy Carter, clerk to South Woodham Town Council who worked very hard to get us the grant from the borough."

After the lights have been switched on Father Christmas will lead his candlelight parade around the town centre.

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