AN ambitious plan to turn a small East Lancashire town into the area's festive hub this Christmas has been unveiled.

Residents in Great Harwood have been urged to get into the festive spirit to make this December the brightest ever.

The call comes as folk in neighbouring Rishton voted to lose their traditional Christmas tree in a bid to deter thugs from entering the area.

After last Christmas's disaster, when thugs ripped the lights off a 25ft-high Christmas tree placed in Great Harwood's square, councillors are determined to make this year's festivities something special.

They are appealing to businesses in the town to contribute towards the prize pot for a competition among shopkeepers for the most festive Christmas display.

The idea came about when bosses at Danley Engineering in Heys Lane offered to donate £100 every year for the next five years to sponsor a competition for the best festive shopwindow. Coun Peter Clarke, deputy chairman of the Great Harwood Area Council, said: "It is an immensely generous gesture and we are very grateful for it.

"We now hope the idea will take off and we would ask for other sponsors to come forward so we can extend the competition to include categories for pubs and households as well."

He added: "Last year, Christmas was somewhat ruined for people in the town when vandals came along and slashed the tree lights cable in three places.

"We don't want the yobs to win and we plan to have a brilliant Christmas in the town this year.

"Hopefully lots of shops will join in as well and take part to make us one of the brightest places in the area this Christmas."

Plans for all of Hyndburn's festive plans are due to be finalised next week.

The traditional carol singing is expected to take place in Great Harwood town centre.

Instead of a big Christmas tree in Rishton, small trees will be attached to the upper floors of properties on High Street. Complaints were made about yobs congregating around the tree in Parker Street last year.