Residents have been busy preparing Barnoldswick for a “Dickens of a Do”.

The event will take place on Saturday and will include the switch-on of the Christmas lights.

“Barnoldswick's Switch On Saturday has got busier and busier in recent years,” said town council chairman Coun Lindsay Gaskell.

“Last year’s parade was massive, snaking right round the town centre. The event is a huge hit and this year the plans are for it to be bigger and better than ever.

"The theme is 'What the Dickens?' with the art trail and giant lantern parade themed on surprising or Dickensian ideas. Several people should also be getting dressed in Dickensian costume in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the author's birth.

"We’re planning a Dickens of a Do that’ll include the now traditional free Santa’s grotto and parade bands together with our first ever husky led sled.”

Activities started last week with Christmas tree dressing and lantern making workshops.

Volunteers are needed to help steward the event and tidy up afterwards. For more details, log onto visitbarnoldswick.co.uk