LIGHTS will be put up in Stourport town centre this weekend ready for the big Christmas switch-on next week.

The annual Three Kings Parade will start at 7pm on Friday, November 22 and the town council and local schools have been busy preparing for the event.

A spokesman for Stourport Town Council said: "Volunteers will be putting up the Christmas lights in the town this weekend ready for the switch-on on November 22.

"Preparations are all in hand so it's looking to be another great event."

Students at St Bartholomew's C of E School have again prepared the kings, Gaspar, Melchior and Balthasar, and children at Astley C of E Primary will again carry their tinsel stars in the parade.

Kidderminster Shuttle:

Alison Reakes-Williams, headteacher at Astley, said: "We are delighted to take part in this year's Three Kings Parade and our children always thoroughly enjoy the evening.

"It is good for us to be a part of the Stourport community and we have watched the parade grow even bigger over the last few years."

Pupils from Burlish, Lickhill, St Wulstan's and Stourport High will also be joining the parade, led by the town's Scout and Guide Band, civic dignitaries, an illuminated train, dancers and local clergy.

Visitors are welcome to follow the parade back to the Civic Centre for a carol service followed by a giant firework display - best watched from the top of Martins Way.

Singer and X Factor finalist Richard Ryan will be compering the event and BBC Hereford and Worcester presenter Nina Das Gupta will join Mayor of Stourport Ken Henderson and carnival queen Rosie Ashmore to turn on the lights.

A collection will take place during the parade for the mayor's charities.