DURSLEY’S Christmas lights are to be switched on by an actor who has starred in Hollywood films including Interview with the Vampire and From Hell.

New Dursley resident Susan Lynch. from Northern Ireland, who went from appearances in The Bill and Cracker to starring alongside the likes of Tom Cruise and Johnny Depp, will switch on the town's lights on Friday, November 28.

Mrs Lynch, 43, will also join a panel of judges in deciding the town’s best decorated shop window, which this year will follow a pantomime theme.

Mrs Lynch and her husband, actor Craig Parkinson, moved to Dursley with their three-year-old son Hardy at the end of summer this year.

Cllr Fiona Firth, of Dursley Town Council, heard about the town’s new residents and leapt at the opportunity to invite Mrs Lynch to turn on this year’s Christmas lights.

Mrs Lynch was thrilled with the offer and said she can’t wait for the big day.

She said: “I’m just a big kid really. Who wouldn’t want to turn on some Christmas lights?

“I’ve never done it before, and don’t even know what people say when they turn them on, but it’s a lovely time of year and I’m really looking forward to it.

“I’m just absolutely chuffed to have been asked.”

Mrs Lynch and her family moved to Dursley after living briefly in Malaysia for one of her husband’s projects.

She said: "We just fell in love with the house and the area. I just really like Dursley and have spent a lot of time in this part of the world before.

"We got a really nice vibe from the place."

After moving in, Mrs Lynch feels she is already fitting into the town.

She continued: “I feel like I’ve already joined the community here. Everybody has been really friendly and the area is beautiful. You can’t really go wrong in Gloucestershire when it comes to landscapes.”.

Cllr Firth is over the moon to have Dursley’s new celebrity switching on the lights.

She said: “I’m delighted to have Susan turning on the lights this year. She’s lovely and is very much looking forward to it.

“This year looks set to be bigger and brighter and better than ever.”

The switch on will take place on Friday, November 28, at 5.30pm, in Dursley’s town centre.