THE first shimmers of Christmas spirit are spreading through Darwen.

Preparations are in hand for the festive show at Darwen Library Theatre, with the cast of Scrooge - A Christmas Carol planning their trip to town.

And the date for Darwen's Christmas lights switch-on, Saturday November 30, has been confirmed by Blackburn with Darwen Council.

Last year, Darwen people were angry at their town's Christmas light show but this year promises to be bigger and better than ever. Meanwhile, it is the theatre's third Christmas production since it reopened in January 2000, with great successes Pinocchio and the Wizard of Oz under its belt. The show has become a Christmas tradition and Darwen's production this year promises to be as magical as ever.

But organisers want suitable accommodation for the professional cast who will need to be in Darwen around the end of November. The opening night is December 11 and the show runs until Christmas Eve.

Theatre manager Steve Burch said: "The people of Darwen always rise to the occasion and I am sure that this will be no exception. The cast will need accommodation for about four weeks.

"Last year they were together in a large house but unfortunately they were quite a long way away. Hopefully there will be room at the inn this Christmas."

Anyone with suitable accommodation for the cast should telephone George Critchley on 07768 013 469.