PLANNING is already underway to make Christmas in Dursley bigger and better than before.

Dursley Town Council has already agreed the plans for the Christmas lights switch-on which will incorporate late night shopping, music, food and outdoor entertainment.

Money will spent on more lights for the town and a real Christmas tree for the town centre.

Cllr Fiona Firth, who is heading up the Christmas project on behalf of the town council, said it was an opportunity to promote Dursley and help the local economy.

"There is a real feeling in Dursley at the moment that it is on the up and we want to continue that. I am very excited about the plans, because I think it is going to be fantastic."

Plans already in place include a large real Christmas tree to be placed in ‘the link’ in Parsonage Street, near Barclays Bank, a large Christmas angel on the wall of Dursley Pet Shop that will be seen when people drive into the town and more small Christmas trees above shop fronts.

The lights switch-on event is set for Friday, November 25 and will include a real Shetland pony that will take children's letters to Father Christmas and will trek up and down the high street with young children following carrying tea lights.

Cllr Firth said she was hoping to create a Victorian theme for the night with outdoor stalls, carols and hot food. The town council will also run its Christmas shop window display competition again.

"It will be really nice if everyone comes together to celebrate the event," added Cllr Firth. "The shops will be opening late on November 25, so we hope that by holding this event people will be encouraged to come into the town and do some of their Christmas shopping in Dursley."