ORGANISERS of a town's Christmas festival are looking for a special child to switch on its lights.

In a departure from the tradition of asking a celebrity to perform the function, those behind this year's Christmas Ice Magic event, in Middlesbrough, are looking closer to home.

The chosen child will join Mayor, Councillor Pat Walker, TFM/Magic 1170 presenters, and Bart and Homer Simpson, for the switch-on ceremony, at 5.30pm, on Sunday.

Barbara Wren, Middlesbrough's town centre manager, said: "Christmas is all about children and we wanted to bring a traditional flavour to all our activities."

Youngsters wanting to be considered should ring or write to 96.6 TFM/Magic or e-mail gregg.upwards