The Grinch and his dog, who take to the streets of Darwen at Christmas, have been spotted in a recording studio discussing a new project.

The duo were pictured at Darwen School of Music poised at the microphone earlier this week and are said to be working on a charity single.

The Grinch, whose identity remains a mystery, has also been tipped to be involved and potentially turn on the Darwen Christmas lights in 2023.

Lancashire Telegraph: The Grinch at Darwen School of MusicThe Grinch at Darwen School of Music (Image: Darwen School of Music)

This is after more than 1,000 people voted for the Grinch to switch the lights on in 2023, in a poll created by Darwen Bars & Leisure.

On Facebook, Blackburn with Darwen council said: “Mr Grinch said yes.

“A big thank you to Darwen Bars & Leisure for running the vote on Darwen’s Mr Grinch switching on the Christmas Lights.

"We’re pleased to say we’ve tracked down The Grinch himself and he’s said yes to being involved in next year’s event. Watch this space.”

Lancashire Telegraph: The Grinch's dog at Darwen School of MusicThe Grinch's dog at Darwen School of Music (Image: Darwen School of Music)

Paul Stuart Davies, who co-owns Darwen School of Music with Mark Bateson, said he might be collaborating the Grinch on a charity single that will be released in 2023.

He said: “As The Grinch has been asked to [be involved] in next year's Darwen Christmas switch on, we have decided to collaborate on a Darwen Grinch charity single which would potentially give him something to perform at the light switch-on and raise money for a local charity to be decided.

“The Grinch came down on Monday, December 19, for a chat about it and we would like to encourage anybody that knows the identity of The Grinch to keep it to themselves so that the fun element and spirit of the project can continue.

“It's very early days on this project.

Darwen School of Music is celebrating its twentieth year in 2023 with lots of events and big performance opportunities planned for its students.

The Darwen Grinch has been spotted around Darwen for the past two years, bringing a smile to many a face.

Lancashire Telegraph: Police officers in Darwen gave the Grinch and his dog some strong words of advice - do not ruin Christmas or else!Police officers in Darwen gave the Grinch and his dog some strong words of advice - do not ruin Christmas or else! (Image: Lancashire Police)

Police spotted him earlier this month and warned him not to ruin Christmas this year.

A council spokesperson told the Lancashire Telegraph:“The Darwen Grinch has being spreading lots of festive cheer in the town and we’ve loved seeing him out and about with his trusty pooch, Max.

“We’ve been approached by residents and businesses to ask if he could help turn on the Christmas lights next year, which we think would be a great idea.

“We’ve managed to track down the man behind the mystery and he’s kindly agreed to be part of the festivities. We’ll release more details as we get ready for next year’s festive season.

“We’d like to wish The Darwen Grinch, Max and his family a magical Christmas and all the best for the New Year.”