TRADERS have given Darwen's Christmas decorations a cautious welcome - but said that the town needed more lights.

A Christmas tree is set to be the focal point of the town's festive display when it is specially decorated by a team of youngsters.

A local mum has arranged for a group of children with disabilities to help decorate the tree, which will be situated at the School Street entrance of Darwen Market.

Tracey Jones, from Darwen, and daughter Caitlin, 11, who is also part of the disability register, will be joined by Father Christmas and volunteers from the Gatehouse respite unit.

Mayor Maureen McGarvey will be helping the children decorate the tree and lending her support to the activities, along with social workers from the complex needs service social care team and council staff.

They will be at the tree from 10am onwards on Saturday.

The tree decoration will be followed by a host of activities in the town centre before the big lights switch on at 5:30pm.

A nativity procession will take place around town centre streets, followed by a Punch and Judy show with balloons to be performed in the annexe.

A carousel will be in School Street and there will be a roundabout in Bridge Street.

The decorations they will use have been bought by the market from money collected in their weekly lottery scheme.

Andrew McAllister, president of Darwen Chamber of Trade believes that it will be "a really, really good day", but said: "The only down point is that there are not enough Christmas lights around the town.

"That's something the council are responsible for, but obviously, they've got to find the money in their budget.

"It's an issue that we ought to be looking at and perhaps will address through the Chamber of Trade."

Eileen Guy, chair of the Darwen Shop and Business Association, agreed with Mr McAllister and said: "Saturday will be a brilliant day. It was last year, and the children thoroughly enjoyed it.

"The businesses get a feed off it because out of towners come and have a look around too.

"The only thing is, we could do with more lights around the town, but we're not too sure if the council have finished putting them up yet."

Coun Chris Thayne, executive member for children services, said it was the "ideal opportunity" to get into the spirit of Christmas.

He said: "Once the tree is decorated it will be the centre-piece of the market for all to enjoy over the next few weeks."

The Christmas lights switch on at 5:30pm is to be headlined by Hollyoaks star Carley Stenson and her band, Diamond, who will perform a variety of songs and hope to raise money for the Five Star Scanner appeal at Manchester Christies Hospital.

The girl's performace will be followed by a giant firework display to complete the day.