FINAL preparations are being made for a town's Christmas procession.

The Bishop Auckland Christmas celebrations begin next Thursday and will involve schools, nurseries, voluntary and youth groups.

One of the highlights will be the Walk of Light at 6pm, in support of the Butterwick Hospice, which will feature lanterns made by youngsters.

The procession will be from Newgate Street into the Market Place.

There will be a firework and laser show from 8pm, a farmers' market and many shops plan to stay open late.

Organiser Beryl Anderson said: "The beginning of this year's Christmas celebrations promise to be our most ambitious ever."