A RUGBY legend, an X-Factor star and a tourism chief will perform the Christmas lights switch-ons in three parts of the district.

Plans have been announced in Bingley, Keighley and Addingham for fun-filled ceremonies to officially begin this year's countdown to December 25.

Bingley's Christmas lights will burn brighter than ever before this year, with traders determined to give the town a grand winter celebration.

Chamber of Trade president Howard Martin said:"We're pulling out all the stops this year.

"Children's activities, including the visit to Santa, are free of all charges because the Chamber is proud to put something back into the community.

"With increasing cuts in Council spending and resultant reduction in amenities and activities, the Chamber has worked even harder than ever to ensure that the Christmas Fair and Lights Switch on event continues."

Free attractions on Saturday, November 28, include a land train, carousels, trampolines, donkey rides and the Cave Bus and a Rodeo Reindeer ride.

Santa's grotto runs from 10.30am until 4.30pm with free gift for all children.

The town square will be full of stalls with a beer tent from noon and live music in the afternoon and evening.

The lights switch on itself will be performed at 4.30pm by rugby league legend Brian Noble, former captain and coach of Great Britain rugby league team and the Bradford Bulls.

Meanwhile, in Keighley, X Factor star Josh Daniel will switch-on the Christmas lights.

The 22-year-old singer, who famously made judge Simon Cowell cry during an audition on the top TV talent show, will help push the plunger at the November 29 festivities.

Josh, who just missed out on the live shows, has seen his emotion-charged rendition of Labrinth's Jealous attract millions of hits on YouTube.

There will be attractions from 11am in the area of Bow Street at the front of the shopping centre and within the mall.

And the event will culminate with the lights switch-on at 4.30pm, when the X Factor star will be joined on stage by Keighley Mayor Councillor Javaid Akhtar and Santa.

The programme will include children's fairground rides, face painters, stilt walkers, carol singers, Keighley Cougars and their mascot Freddie, a Santa's grotto, Christmas card competition and balloon modeller.

The shopping centre is joining with Keighley Town Centre Association and the town council to stage the activities.

The head of regional tourism agency Welcome to Yorkshire will officially light up Addingham for Christmas at the village's celebrations on November 28.

Sir Gary Verity will join Addingham Gala, Queen Briony Moffat, at the Christmas lights switch-on ceremony, part of a day of festive activities, including the return of the Addingham Christmas Market.

The market is organised by shop local scheme, Totally Locally Addingham, and has so far proved to be a popular and successful community event for the village and its small businesses.

This year the market will be on Saturday, November 28 from 2.30pm in the car park area behind The Swan pub on Main Street.

It will be followed at 4.30pm with the switch on of the village Christmas lights.