Volunteers at the Newent Charity Shop, in Church Street, started work this week on what will be the store's biggest ever Christmas display.

It was due to be completed in time for the switch-on of the town's Christmas lights this evening (Friday).

Shop manager Jan Chave said dozens of boxes containing decorations and Christmas goods had been in her attic for months, awaiting the start of the festive season.

However, although the charity shop was to be looking seasonal by today, Mrs Chave did not plan to enter the annual Christmas shop window display competition.

She said: "We would have to leave our window completely untouched. Everything you see is for sale, of course, for charity."

Crowds will gather by the Market Hall from around 6.30pm for the switch-on.

The celebration will start with the singing of Christmas carols by a choir in procession from St Mary's Church. The group will be accompanied by Father Christmas, while a snow machine will add a touch of seasonal weather to the proceedings.

The lights will be switched on shortly after the arrival of the choir by eight-year-old Megan Brindley, who has been a regular patient at London's Great Ormond Street Hospital for most of her life.

The youngster was born with birthmarks on half of her skin and, following the success of ongoing laser treatment, has launched several fundraising campaigns on her own initiative, including a sponsored swim.