LEGENDARY comic Ken Dodd will be made an Honorary Leyther on Monday when he switches on the town's Christmas lights.

At 6pm on Monday Leigh's favourite Christmas visitor sets the festive ball rolling for the fourth successive year and this time Doddy will be presented with a framed certificate.

Throughout the day a town crier will tell the tale about the proclamation signed by MP Andy Burnham, Council Leader Lord Peter Smith and town centre champion Cllr Brian Jarvis.

Cllr Jarvis, who will bestow the honour on Doddy on Monday night, said: "I do not think the people of Leigh really appreciate what Ken does for Leigh. He is in one of the top stars in this country. He really does love coming to Leigh."

Cllr Jarvis said councillors from other towns often quizzed him about how Leigh manages to get Doddy to get Doddy to switch on the lights.

He said: "He's a personal friend and a friend to Leigh. We'll show our gratitude by making him an honorary Leyther. We're presenting him with the coat of arms."

Fun and activities begin at 4 pm in the Civic Square. A brass band and carol singers will raise the atmosphere as people get an early dose of Christmas cheer and youngsters will be able to have their faces painted, take a spin on rides and enjoy roadshow entertainment and dance.

Extra funding

Extra funding has been provided for the town's illuminations which will be spent on maintenance and putting the existing lights up.

This year Christmas shopping will be extra fun with the opening of the Spinning Gate shopping centre's new extension.

Late night trading starts next Thursday (November 29) with selected stores opening until 8 pm. To celebrate there will be entertainment, giveaways and free parking from 6 pm on all car parks.

Sunday trading begins on December 2 with stores opening from 10 am to 4 pm. Car parking is free all day and many stores are open including Argos, Wilkinsons and Woolworths.

On Thursday, December 20 there will be a special town centre firework display.

And from November 9 to December 22 town centre shoppers can take part in a free competition to win a brand new Hyundai Amica, courtesy of the Spinning Gate Shopping Centre. Entry forms are available from any of their stores.

Santa will be coming to the Spinning Gate Shopping centre and his Grotto will be open from Thursday, November 29.

All town centre Christmas events are funded by the Leigh Town Centre Management Initiative and town centre manager Laurie Barton has appealed for more businesses come forward and contribute towards the events.