Excitement is building in Ottery as the town prepares for its annual Late Night Christmas shopping evening.

Lights have been put up during this week ahead of the event on Friday, December 1, which this year will have the theme of Disney characters.

Phyllis Baxter, who has helped to organise the event, told the town council on Monday, that the town will be ‘twinkling’ for the festive season and hoped people would dress up on the night.

The night will begin at the parish church with the popular torchlit precession through the town as part of the countdown to the light switch on.

Pressing the on button this year will be the carnival Queen and princesses outside the town council offices.

Once the town is alight, visitors will be able to browse round the shows and enjoy musical performances from a number of performers including the silver band.

There will also be a special appearance from Father Christmas in his sleigh and the Gliddon’s steam engine will roll into town once more.

Phyllis told the meeting; “Once the lights come on Ottery will be twinkling for the Christmas season. Shops will be open late with lots of Christmas cheer. Please support our local shops to provide a warm welcome.”

She thanked the town council for their support towards the cost of the lights over the years as it has helped to make the event ‘a must for Ottery’.