THE Mayor of Rossendale, Coun June Forshaw, will switch on Rawtenstall's Christmas lights next week.

The event, which is now in its second year, will be held on Thursday, December 2, at 5.30pm in Bank Street, next to the Valley Centre.

Coun Forshaw said: "This is a family event and we are encouraging everyone to come out and support it.

"This is the second year we have made an event of switching on the lights and I hope it will build into a special event to celebrate Christmas."

A section of the Rossendale Encore Band will play a selection of Christmas music.