A FORMER pit village's Christmas lights will be switched on to mark the completion of a £320,000 revamp of its main street.

Shona Walmsley, aged 16 months, who was born during the development of the scheme that has improved the look of Front Street in Sacriston, has been chosen to flick the switch, on Monday.

The revamp has been carried out under Durham County Council's award-winning Urban and Rural Renaissance project, which has seen overhead electricity cables placed underground.

New decorative street lighting, specially wired to take Christmas lights, has been installed while footpaths have been re-paved using attractive block paving and tarmac.

An overgrown landscaped area at the corner of Front Street and Plawsworth Road has been improved with block paving, new fencing, trellis and plants.

Local county councillor Anne Wright said: "The improvements have made a tremendous difference to the look of Front Street and the local community is delighted.

"There have been many positive comments about the work and certainly it has brought some pride back to Sacriston," she said.

The switch-on will be at 6pm and will follow entertainnment using a traditional steam organ, and refreshments in the community centre, from 5pm.