Thornbury Christmas Lights Association has announced who will be switching on the town's lights this year.

The honour falls to Bristol rugby star Joe Batley.

He will switch on Thornbury's Christmas lights at a special event on Tuesday, November 19.

Versatile forward Batley, 23, swapped Gloucester for Bristol in 2017. He overcame Hodgkin's Lymphoma to continue playing for the Bears, featuring in two of their Premiership Cup matches this season.

Joe will switch the lights on outside NatWest at 7pm. The event, which includes a community market and a funfair, begins at 5.30pm.

Money is being raised in aid of BRACE Alzheimer's Research.

A spokesperson for Thornbury Christmas Lights Association said: "We can't wait to welcome Joe to our town and to see you all there for an evening of festivities!"