The lights switch-on in Alderley Edge is in safe hands this year with football star Edwin Van der Sar on side to do the honours.

Cheshire East Council has gone Dutch with its festive signing from Manchester United.

The big switch-on is on Thursday (November 18) at The Parade, from 6pm to 7.30pm.

X Factor star Lloyd Daniels with turn on the Wilmslow lights on Friday, November 26, on Grove Street, from 3pm to 8pm.

Coun Jamie Macrae, Cabinet member with responsibility for prosperity, said: "Christmas is a magical time and, here in Cheshire East, we have some superb local organisations and groups who want to ensure it is celebrated in style and work with us to improve community life."

For pictures and a report of the Alderley Edge Christmas lights switch on, don’t miss out on next week’s Wilmslow Express.