RESIDENTS in Hyndburn have been told to set off early if they want to watch the Christmas lights switch-on in Accrington.

Last year traffic queues coming into the town centre meant many people were left stranded in their cars in Hyndburn Road while the town was lit up.

Coun Peter Britcliffe, leader of Hyndburn Borough Council, was one of the unlucky motorists stuck in traffic while the switch-on ceremony took place.

He said: "I think we were a victim of our own success last year - so many people wanted to see the lights turned on that everyone got stuck in a traffic jam along Hyndburn Road, me included.

"It was very disappointing to miss it, especially for people with children like myself.

"I think the message to people is to set off early this year to avoid any congestion."

Sgt Mark Porter, from Accrington police, said: "People should be aware that the roads around the Town Hall are closed off for half an hour for the switch-on and fireworks and that there will inevitably be more people heading for the town centre and therefore more traffic."

He urged people not coming in to see the switch-on to avoid the town centre at around 6pm and asked people attending to avoid bringing vehicles into town if possible.

This year the lights will be switched on by Andrew Mackintosh, who played DS Greig in the Bill, and Tiffany Chapman, who played Rachael Jordache in Brookside - the pair are appearing in the pantomime Aladdin at the Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre next month.

They will be joined by the Mayor of Hyndburn, Councillor Miles Parkinson.

A stage outside the Town Hall will host entertainment from 5.30pm on the night and the official switch-on will take place at 6.30pm.

The event, on Thursday, November 18, also marks the start of late night shopping in Accrington.