A BEN reader will light up the town this Christmas . . . thanks to a competition to be a VIP for the evening! This year, Bolton town centre's Christmas lights switch-on will be carried out by a local person. He or she will become a celebrity for the day and help perform the opening ceremony on Thursday, November 26 in front of thousands of people.

The BEN has got together with lights' sponsors British Gas -- which is helping to light up local homes this Christmas when it starts to supply electricity to the town -- to find our celebrity. Now, we want to hear from YOU about the Light of Your Life.

We want readers to write and tell us about the special someone who lights up their life, and why.

The winner will not only perform the switch-on but will also be a VIP and receive a magnum of champagne. Three runners-up will each receive a bottle of champagne to share with the light of their life this Christmas.

Bolton's town centre enjoys a dazzling spectacle at the switch-on. A grand parade, sponsored by Sainsburys, is followed by a fabulous firework display -- sponsored by the Bolton Evening News -- which lights up the town.

If YOU would like to nominate someone to officially start Christmas in Bolton this year, just fill in the form opposite, and send it to: LIGHT OF MY LIFE COMPETITION, Angela Kelly, Bolton Evening News, Churchgate, Bolton BL1 1DE, by November 20.

And then watch out for your heart-warming letters . . . and for the switch-on itinerary to join in the fun!

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