CHILDREN are taking part in a lantern parade tonight to celebrate the switch-on of the Christmas lights.

Volunteers in Cockfield, Teesdale, have raised more than £3,000 towards the village's Christmas decorations.

About 150 children will walk from Cockfield Primary School to the Christmas tree on the village green at 6.30pm.

There will be entertainment by Middleton-in-Teesdale band and a Santa's Grotto will be on the village green, where every child will receive a free present. Refreshments will also be provided.

Joan Simpson, one of the volunteers, said: "We're really looking forward to it, it should be better than last year."