THE festive season will be getting under way for the people of Richmond later this week.

Father Christmas and BBC Look North presenter Chris Jackson will be in the town on Friday to switch on the light display.

The illuminations have been updated this year with the help of Richmond Town Council and the local charitable Duck Club.

And locals and visitors alike will then be able to get stuck in to their Christmas shopping as more than 30 shops are staying open until 9pm.

The grand switch-on of the lights is taking place in the Friary Gardens at 7pm where carols will be sung and the Duck Club will be serving hot soup from 6.30pm. Meanwhile, Richmond Scouts will be serving shoppers with hot roast chestnuts under the Trinity Church Tower in the Market Place, and mince pies and punch donated by local traders will be served in the Market Hall.

Carol singers will ensure a festive atmosphere in both the Friary Gardens, and around the Market Place.

There will also be an indoor market, and the results of the Most Festive Shop Window Competition will be announced at 8.45pm.

Rounding off the evening will be 19-year-old Beverly Rudd, from Tunstall, singing the evening's final carol in the Market Square.

Beverly has recently appeared at the Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith, in the Threepenny Opera, and is also a member of Richmond Operatic Society.

The event has been organised by town councillor Linda Curran who said: "We hope to see as many people as possible coming into Richmond for what will be a spectacular start to the festive season.

"We are very proud of the new lights and feel sure the evening will go a long way towards helping people embrace the Christmas spirit.."