Camels, reindeer, a donkey and Santa will return to Brampton this weekend for the town's highly-anticipated Christmas lights switch-on.

They will feature as part of the nativity procession which is due to make its way to the Moot Hall from Showfield car park at about 4.45pm, before thge lights are switched on by local youngster David Doran.

The six year-old will do the honours at 5pm, illuminating the town centre from the hall down to St Martin’s Church.

The parish council's events committee plan several months ahead for the event which is a long-standing tradition that has grown over the years.

The council has spent more than £20,000 on the festivities but needed additional funds which were taken from the budget for flower bed maintenance.

Chairman David Moorat told councillors: "If we want to do as well as last year then we're going to have to find some money from other budgets within the organisation. It's been suggested that we via some of this money from the flower budget which the person who is in charge of that feels the budget could afford to shed that amount of money."

Councillors agreed unanimously that this money be transferred and spent on the Christmas lights switch-on.

The event will also feature performances including one from Carlisle Dance Academy.

Meanwhile businesses will add their own touch of sparkle, putting up window displays to transform the town into a festive-filled attraction.

Mince pies, mulled wine, tea, coffee and juice will be on offer and Father Christmas will be in his grotto, greeting youngsters.