LEDBURY people are being asked to dig deep and support the Christmas Lights, through a new collection box initiative.

For the first time this year, there are Ledbury Christmas lights collection boxes in town centre shops, so that in future years the £11,000 cost of the festive spectacular will not fall entirely on the shoulders of council-tax payers.

Cllr Phill Bettington, chairman of the town's Christmas Lights Working Party, said the cost of the lights had been met for 2014, but the collection would play its part in future years.

He said: "This is a new initiative for us this year. Bromyard has been doing this for years, in every shop in town."

Also new this year will be a string of lights, outlining the town council buildings, and lights for the first time in cobbled Church Lane.

This will be in addition to the usual lights in the Market House, on the Alms Houses, and in the Homend, Bye Street and the Southend.

Cllr Bettington added: "We also have more entertainment planned for the switch-on this year, compared with last year."

There will be a medieval theme, with a Mummers' Play, medieval music with the Ledbury Waytes and medieval dancing, by youngsters with the Ledbury Dance Company.

Father Christmas is set to arrive at the Market House by a horse-drawn Westons dray, at 1pm, on the big day - Saturday, November 29.

And Trigger the Train, also known as the Ledbury Express, will be giving young and old alike fun rides around the town centre.

As ever, Santa's Grotto will be in the town council offices, with the entrance through to Royal British Legion buildings in Church Street.

Other highlights will include a fancy dress parade through the High Street and festive performances by Ledbury Community Choir and Ledbury Brass Band.

Morris Dancers will also be strutting their stuff, and there will be various stalls in the town centre, - including a van selling hot chestnuts.

The big Christmas tree, by the Market House, will be donated by the local branch of Countrywide, and there is a possibility that, for the first time, it will be decorated with special holographic cards.