ACTOR Simon Gregson, Coronation Street's Steve McDonald, is to switch on Darwen's Christmas lights.

And young tumour patient Madison Allan will join him for a day of entertainment in aid of a new high-tech scanner for the hospital where she is treated.

The switch-on event on November 25 will feature fireworks, a Santa's Grotto in the market annexe, a brass band, carol singing and the annual nativity procession.

Shoppers will also be treated to face painting, morris dancing and a Lancashire Hawks and Owls demonstrations on School Street.

Simon Gregson will sign autographs before the big lights switch-on at 5.30pm.

Decorations will light up the town hall, market and shops in Bridge Street and Market Street .

Coun Andy Kay, borough executive member for regeneration, said: "Shoppers and visitors to the town centre have experienced some difficult but necessary disruption over the last few weeks and the council and the Darwen Shop and Business Association businesses want to reward them with a strong programme of Christmas festivities."

The fundraising for Madison, aged two, is part of a campaign by the Darwen Shop and Business Association to raise £10,000 by Christmas for the Five Star Scanner Appeal' at Manchester Children's Hospital.

Madison, of Lord's Crescent, Lower Darwen, was diagnosed with a large tumour when she was just 10 months old and doctors could not say if she would survive.

Earlier this year, following chemotherapy and a six-week stint in hospital, Madison's family received the good news that the tumour had started to shrink.

Association member Gill Kirkham added: "We want to raise as much money for the appeal as possible. This event will be a really good. Madison will love it."