Christmas is coming to Leigh with a bang. A light show and fireworks display which should put bigger neighbours in the shade will be switched on Thursday, November 27, by funnyman and Honorary Leyther, Ken Dodd.

Comedy hero Ken -- loved by millions -- will light up Leigh and kick the festive season before thousands of cheering locals.

In addition to a mind-boggling array of Christmas lights bringing a glitter of colour to Leigh's streets, the Town Hall, Parish Church and civic square, plans are afoot to present a light show and fireworks display which will be seen for miles.

"Hopefully it will be seen at Wigan -- they won't be having anything like this there," said proud light show co-ordinator Cllr Brian Jarvis.

"We have been considering lasers or electro white lights bouncing images off the clouds."

He explained how the fun will begin mid-afternoon on the Town Hall Square with a children's funfair and street entertainment jointly arranged by Leigh Town Centre Management Group in partnership with Spinning Gate.

Boosting the Yuletide atmosphere before the big switch-on will be a team of street entertainers who will be handing out free chocolates as onlookers revel to the sounds of disco music. Santa Claus in a horse-drawn sleigh will lead a parade from Spinning Gate to the Town hall where the Town Crier will announce dignitaries before the 6pm switch on.

"The funfair and light show will go on until about 9pm and there'll be a fantastic, massive fireworks display. As well as Doddy we'll have VIPs including Rugby League legend Alex Murphy -- who will be made an Honorary Leyther on the night in recognition for his services to the town -- and actor Will Travis who has appeared in TV soaps Emmerdale, Where the Hearts, and Casualty."

Other prominent figures will include the Mayor and Mayoress and Lord Smith of Leigh.

Shopping

After the switch on Santa's sleigh will lead the parade back to Spinning Gate shopping centre where activities will continue to coincide with the start of Leigh's late night shopping season.

Inside the Town Hall, which will be surrounded by barriers, police and security officers, a reception will be held chaired by Cllr Jarvis and livened by a team of glamorous Santas!

One of the main events will be the presentation of the Pride of Leigh awards sponsored by Leigh Town Centre Management Group and Bridgewater Business Park.

Five presentations will be made to those deemed to have been outstanding in the field of public service, individual achievement, public transport and the Spirit of Leigh award for a special event or achievement. The fifth award will be the Leigh Journal Young Citizen of the Year trophy presented in conjunction with Leigh Town Centre Management Group for the person aged 18 or under who has made a significant contribution to the community.