MORE than 200 youngsters are expected to take part in a lantern festival marking a late-night Christmas shopping event.

Clitheroe town centre will come alive on the evening of December 7 to the sound of brass bands, carol-singers, school choirs, clog-dancers and a fun fair.

The event is hosted annually by Clitheroe Chamber of Trade when shops stay open until late to sell their Christmas wares.

Ribble Valley Rail also runs 'Santa Special' trains bringing people from across East Lancashire into Clitheroe for the event.

A spokesman for Clitheroe and District Chamber of Trade said: "Last year was our most successful late-night opening for some time and, given favourable weather, we believe we can build on that success this year.

"The lantern festival will figure prominently, as it did last year and this in itself is expected to attract a lot of interest, as more than 200 children from local schools are expected to take part."

The youngsters will participate in a lantern-making workshop, then process through the town centre heralding the start of the event at 6pm.

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