VILLAGES to the north of Bolton will be lighting up ready for Christmas over the next two weeks.

The traditional Christmas Tree switch-ons begin in Belmont, on the village green, on Friday, when the celebrations will be led by the vicar of St Peters, the Reverend David Jones, and the children from Belmont Primary School at 7pm.

On December 1, a tree in the grounds of St Anne's Church, Chapeltown, will be illuminated at 6pm by organist Kenneth Miller.

A short service and carols are being led by the Reverend David Brierley, vicar of Christ Church, Walmsley, before a visit from Turton Rotary Club's Santa sleigh.

Father Christmas also puts in an appearance half-an-hour later at the tree switch on in Edgworth.

The tree is being put up in the grounds of Barlow Court and will be officially lit up by members of Edgworth Youth Group before a service conducted by Rev Brierley.