WHILE many visitors will have some Christmas cheer brought into their lives when the festive lights are switched on in Darlington, County Durham, tomorrow - there are some who will find the surroundings more intriguing.

Fans of metalwork and architecture may spend their time examining the specially-commissioned mild steel railings protecting the 30ft Christmas tree in High Row.

Standing 8ft high and weighing two-and-a-half tons, they have been hand-crafted in a unique design for Darlington Borough Council.

The railings feature small Christmas trees around the top, and holly leaves and star of Bethlehem details are included in the decoration.

Tony Cooper, director of Bussey and Armstrong builders, in the town, commissioned the railings from Brian Russell of Little Newsham Forge, in Teesdale, and then presented them to the council.

Actress Kelly Morris, who plays Cinderella in this year's Civic Theatre pantomime, and Postman Pat, who has a guest role in the show, will be on hand tomorrow at 3.30pm for the lights switch-on.

There will also be a reindeer parade, featuring animals from the Scottish Highlands, starting at Tubwell Row and travelling around the town centre from 11.30am today.