A TOWN shopping centre’s Christmas lights will be switched on this week (Friday, November 21).

The lights at Castle Dene shopping complex, in Peterlee, will be switched on by children from Cotsford Infant School, with help from Sun FM mascot Sunny the Seagull.

The switch-on will take place at 6pm on Friday.

But there will be entertainment from 4.30pm, with live music from the winners of Peterlee’s Next Big Thing talent contest and X-Factor's Kerrianne Covell, on-stage competitions and appearances from Iron Man.

There will also be in-store promotions and giveaways during the countdown to Christmas.

Castle Dene shopping centre manager Barry Parnell said: “We’re delighted to be hosting an evening of festive fun at the centre and hope that both young and old will enjoy everything that’s planned.

“We look forward to hosting other events throughout 2015 and will be offering shoppers further chances to win high-value prizes and shopping vouchers in the months to come.”

For more information, visit castledeneshoppingcentre.co.uk or facebook.com/castledeneshopping