SHOPPERS will be flocking to the town centres of Runcorn and Widnes to enjoy the star-studded launch of this year's Christmas lights.

Celebrity-spotters will be well catered for with Brookside's Mickey Poppins, aka Lance Powell, on hand to launch the illuminations in Runcorn Old Town, with Neil Kelly of Widnes Vikings and a host of players throwing the switch in Widnes.

This year Christmas lights in Runcorn are being hailed as bigger and better than before with a whole new set of lights and features.

Youngsters will be flocking to Santa's Grotto in Runcorn Market and a flight simulator and two fairground rides promise to keep them occupied.

The Runcorn lights switch on takes place on Thursday, November 22, at 5pm on the car park between Granville Street and Lock Street opposite the market.

In Widnes, the fun kicks off at 3pm in the market square. Clowns Silly Billy and Candy Floss and the Tinsel Twins will be entertaining the crowds and a host of competitions are also on the cards.

The switch-on itself takes place at 6pm and will be hosted by Wire FM presenter Steve Pinnington who will introduce live links back to the radio station.