BURLEY in Wharfedale is preparing for its Christmas lights switch on next weekend.

A live broadcast of the switch-on at 4.30pm on Saturday, November 28 is being planned.

As there can’t be the traditional switch-on ceremony or either of the Christmas markets this year, Burley in Wharfedale Community Trust is leading on two new elements to fill the gap.

One of these is a family quiz based on walking round the village and looking at the main lights. It will be launched online via the village website and in print on November 28.

Any homes and organisations which are planning a visible outdoor display will be plotted on a new Christmas trail, with a map showing the locations all around the village. Visit http://bit.ly/bwctTrail to register for the trail or go to the facebook page Burley Christmas Trail: https://www.facebook.com/Burley-Christmas-Trail. The registration deadline is Sunday, November 29 but if people would like to co-ordinate their home switch-ons, 4.30pm on Saturday, November 28 is suggested. The village churches are involved and are encouraging a nativity element to the displays.

A spokeswoman said: "Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, the opportunities to fundraise for the lights is somewhat limited this year and the village does not get funding from Bradford Council. The lights are paid for in the main by the Community Trust, the Parish Council and public donations. So the Trust is planning to set up a card reader for donations in the Deli and a giving page as well as collecting tins in cafes and takeaways. The Wharfedale Deli also has a competition and is offering Christmas afternoon teas with a contribution towards the lights fund. In the Co-op there is a grand raffle with a top prize of a £100 hamper."

More details about the Community Trust and how to join or to make donations online can be found on its website: https://www.burleycommunitytrust.org/