HOLSWORTHY is now sparkling with Christmas cheer.

The town's new festive lights were officially switched on on Sunday by a small team including local councillors, Chamber of Trade representatives and Torridge and West Devon MP Geoffrey Cox.

The new lights in the Square were funded through a grant from Devon county and Torridge district councils. The switch-on followed a Chamber of Trade lunch in the town which was attended by Mr Cox, Cllr Barry Parsons and Cllr Richard Brown.

Chamber chairman, Beccy Johns, said the group wanted to say thank you to those who had supported the town's lights. Holsworthy will be staging its late night Christmas shopping evening next Wednesday, December 9.There will be performances from the town band, Holsworthy Majorettes, Amanda Brooks School of Dance and Holsworthy Primary School.

Father Christmas will be in his grotto on the Square, supported by Holsworthy Lions, and there will be market and charity stalls.