NO matter where you are in Rossendale this Christmas, there will be a festive celebration on your doorstep.

Switching on the lights in Rawtenstall will be double Paralympic silver medallist Tom Hamer on Saturday, November 26.

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The former Alder Grange School pupil clinched his medals in the S14 classification for swimmers with intellectual disabilities.

Ahead of the Christmas lights a new Christmas market will also be held in the town from 11am to 8pm on the same day, with more than 50 stalls offering fresh produce and artisan street food.

Performances will come from Water Brass Band, Rossendale Valley Sounds and Valley Aloud Community Choir.

In Haslingden there will be a similar set-up on Saturday, December 3, with a Christmas market taking place from 5pm to 8pm with a Victorian theme.

The lights switch-on is set to happen at 6pm by the library and there will be variety of entertainment.

Cllr Alyson Barnes, leader of Rossendale Borough Council, said she was looking forward to all the celebrations.

She said: “The switch-ons are always really good and I think they all promise to be bigger and better than ever before.

“What’s great about Rossendale is we don’t just have one switch-on, there are several, and they are all always very enjoyable.”

Victorian dress is optional for the Haslingden celebration and stalls are being offered at £12 each.

A date for the switch-on in Bacup has not yet been finalised but it is expected to take place on Wednesday, December 7.

Crawshawbooth is also due to hold an event but a date has not yet been set.

Cllr James Eaton, representative for Greensclough, said: “I hope that all the towns will go and support each other, these switch-ons are always great and they really brighten up the town’s.

“I hope we get a tree back up in Bacup this year it makes such a big difference.”