More than 800 schoolchildren have participated in a special colouring competition.

The event was organised by Nelson Town Council as part of the upcoming Christmas lights switch on in the town.

The children were tasked with colouring and decorating a festive tree.

Competition cards were sent out to every primary school and nursery child in Nelson, with entries collected ahead of the light switch-on event, which will take place in Nelson town centre on Saturday, November 23, from 1pm to 5pm.

The council members have been busy judging the entries, noting the impressive displays of art and creativity.

The three winners will be announced on the main stage at the switch on event, where cash prizes will be awarded to the first, second, and third-place winners.

An afternoon of entertainment will follow, with platinum-selling artist, TeeDee performing a special DJ set at 4pm.

Artist TeeDee will be performing at the light switch on (Image: Supplied) Other performances will include live singing, dancing, drumming, fire breathers, and a sing-along with a children's Frozen Christmas show.

The event will conclude with a firework display, and there will be food and drink stalls, Christmas crafts, and free funfair rides.

Inside the Pendle Rise Shopping Centre, a Christmas card workshop, charity stalls, and a performance by the Salvation Army Brass Band will be held.

Councillor Faraz Ahmad, chair of Nelson Town Council, said: "It has been amazing to see the local nursery and children embracing our Christmas competition and we are delighted with the number of entries that we have received.

"The quality of the colouring and decorating has been wonderful, and the creativity shown has been great to see.

"We can’t wait to see the winners collecting their prizes on Saturday, which will start what will be a wonderful event here in Nelson town centre."

The community is encouraged to stay updated with future events by checking the Nelson Town Council website.