IDLE is having its own Christmas lights switch-on after villagers and local businesses raised £1,000 for a tree.

The 18ft Christmas tree and lights will be in place on The Green ready for the celebrations on Sunday, December 9.

Local business owners, Emily Beaton, owner of Miss Butterfingers and Michelle Ryder, owner of Bake 'n' Butty are organising the light switch-on and there will be entertainment and treats on offer too.

In the build-up to the celebrations, they are encouraging local children to create their own baubles to be hung on the tree.

Prior to the main event, festivities are being held all over the village providing entertainment for all ages, including a breakfast with Santa, a Christmas market and children's Christmas party, and the switch-on itself at The Green from 4.30pm onwards.

Thee switch will be flicked at 5pm by BBC One's All Together Now actor and singer, Ash Stevenson.

Emily Beaton said: “We’re so pleased and grateful to everyone who donated money to help bring Christmas to the village. Since I opened my shop three years ago I always wanted to see a Christmas tree adding a little bit of magic to the village."

Michelle Ryder added: “We’ve had an amazing response with lots of local businesses wanting to club together and donate their services."

Money raised at the event will got towards the Pennine Suite at St Luke's Hospital and Breast Cancer Now.