One lucky youngster will have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to light up the city of Bradford this Christmas.

The Telegraph & Argus and Bradford Council have teamed up for a competition in which the winner will join Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq in switching on the festive lights.

The winner of the competition, open to people aged 16 or under, will take centre stage at the panto-style celebrations in Centenary Square on Thursday, November 16, and have the opportunity to mingle with the stars at a VIP reception. (For details of how to enter, see the coupon below.)

Celebrities booked for the party include teen band Fierce, Ben from DJ combo Phats and Small and flamboyant singer/comedienne Margarita Prakatan.

The organisers are urging everybody to get involved with this year's switch-on - which has a strong pantomime theme - by donning their panto-frocks and costumes.

Vanessa Mitchell, the council's project and events manager, said: "All the celebrities will be getting involved and people in costume can get up on stage."

The evening starts at 5pm with a mix of music and competitions. The cast of the Alhambra pantomime Aladdin will be making an on-screen appearance and the switching on of the lights at 7pm will begin a special effects and light show.

The ceremony also marks the start of late night shopping. Stores will be open every Thursday evening until 9pm with free parking in council car parks on Thursday and Saturday evenings.

Jeff Frankel, chairman of the Bradford Retail Action Group which represents traders in the city, said the lights were crucial for custom over the Christmas period.

"The lights are the best we can make them with the money available and they help everyone get into the Christmas spirit," he said.