THE stars will be out for the switching on of Darwen town centre's spectacular Christmas lights this year.

The big event, on Saturday, December 1, from noon, will feature entertainment for young and old.

Dorothy, Tinman, Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion and Toto will be on hand to flick the switch at 4pm. They will be fresh from a pantomime performance at Darwen Library Theatre, where they will be delighting the audience in a production of the Wizard of Oz.

Father Christmas will also be making a guest appearance at the celebrations, along with street entertainers. The celebrations are all part of the special 'Magical Victorian Christmas' being run by Blackburn with Darwen Council.