Christmas is coming and preparations are underway to make festivities in Leigh the talk of the north.

Months of preparations will come to fruition on November 25 for the start of what town centre management group chairman Cllr Brian Jarvis confidently declares will be "the best Christmas we've ever had".

The fun starts in the afternoon with a variety of events centring on the Town Hall Square and Spinning Gate Shopping Centre.

Spinning Gate's Ayrton Westwood explained the schedule: "A team of reindeer will head out of Spinning Gate pulling Santa's sleigh on a circular tour along to Bradshawgate and back to his grotto in the shopping centre to mark the launch of a month of celebrations and the beginning of late night (until 8pm) shopping in town.

And although Santa won't be heading for the Town Hall Square (safety considerations prevent the parade from continuing in that direction) from mid-afternoon the area around the library will be a focal point with fun and games before the big Christmas lights switch-on.

A fireworks display and peal of bells from the parish church and declarations from the town crier will signal the arrival of Leigh Christmas Time and the civic square extravaganza will be spectacular with giant snowmen, an illuminated fairy, children's rides and a giant LED screen will focus on the crowds around the square and provide words so everyone can join in the community carol singing.

Cllr Jarvis said: "We'll have a platform with a DJ and brass band and all the Leigh churches are involved and will form a mass choir to lead the singing.

After the switch-on VIPs will attend a reception in the Council Chamber at the Town Hall where the Honorary Leyther award will be presented to the person not born in Leigh but who is considered to have done most for the town and its citizens.

There will also be the Pride of Leigh awards - supported by the Journal - with recognition for deserving individuals and service providers.

This year Honorary Leyther - comedian Ken Dodd - will not be switching on Leigh's lights a job he has performed for several years in succession.

Cllr Jarvis admitted: "There's nobody more disappointed than me that Ken can't make it this year - the reason being that he is a really big star and has a lot of commitments."

Sponsors of this year's event are Leigh Business Partnership, Spinning Gate Shopping centre, Bridgewater Business Park, The Greenbank Partnership and Orford Investments.

And Brighter Borough funding has been made available by Wigan councillors in Atherleigh, Leigh East, Leigh West and Leigh South wards.