The countdown to Christmas begins in Epsom with the big Christmas lights switch on next week.

The Mayor of Epsom and Ewell, Councillor Sheila Carlson, will be switching on the Christmas tree lights and lighting up the Clocktower on November 24, at 5.30pm.

A traditional German market will also be open in the Market Place offering festive treats from mince pies and mulled wine to handmade jewellery and gifts until Saturday December 24.

Coun Carlson said: “I’m delighted to have been asked to switch on the Christmas lights - I always thought they got someone famous to do things like this!

“We would all like to thank Greenwich Leisure Limited, who manage the Rainbow Leisure Centre, for enabling us to light up the Clocktower for the first time in several years and to The Ashley Centre for donating the Christmas tree and lights.

“A special thank you to Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother and the members of the cast from Santa Claus and the Christmas Adventure who will be taking time out of their busy schedules at the Epsom Playhouse to help us kick-start Christmas and get everyone in the mood for the big day.”

For more information and tickets for Cinderella or the Santa Claus and the Christmas Adventure visit epsomplayhouse.co.uk, call 01372 742555/742227, or email playhouse@epsom-ewell.gov.uk