BLACKPOOL Tower will be ready for the big switch-on next Friday after a final check of the 10,000th bulb fitted on the famous landmark.

The famous coastal resort has a double celebration this year with Blackpool Tower commemorating 110 years since it opened and the Illuminations celebrating its 125th anniversary.

For the past two months Dave Hulme, the chief rigger at Blackpool Tower and Circus, has scaled and surveyed the 518ft 9inch structure.

He has been checking that the 10,000 light bulbs, which light up the landmark, are ready for the big switch-on on September 3.

Dave abseiled down the side of the Tower to the final section for the fitting of the last bulbs at approximately 450ft above the promenade and said: "The Tower is the centrepiece of the illuminations and every year needs to look top-notch. I feel very proud to be in a position of putting in place the last bulb."

The illuminations will be switched on by ex-Spice Girl Geri Halliwell with other stars including McFly - one of whom is Bolton singer Danny Jones. They will be joined by television's Fame Academy hit-maker Lemar, former Savage Garden lead singer Darren Hayes, 80s chart toppers Swing Out Sister and the cast of "Boogie Nights".

The switch-on ceremony will welcome a massive 15,000 revellers to a specially constructed arena opposite Coral Island.

BBC Radio Two will stage a show live from the resort fronted by Bolton presenter Mark Radcliffe.