Nearly £10,000 has been given to Ringwood Town Council to put towards its Christmas Lights switch on.

The funds from the National Lottery will ensure the town is well illuminated and will pay for equipment and advertising.

Town Clerk Steve Nash said: “This funding is for community events and it’s very gratifying to know the lottery see the importance of what we are trying to do here and are supporting us.”

The Christmas event, which is planned for December 6, will run from 10am until 7pm and include new lights, Santa’s Grotto, street entertainers, live music, choirs, a children’s Lantern Parade and guaranteed ‘snow’.

Mayor of Ringwood, Cllr Barbara Woodifield said: “We want the whole community involved in the event and hope that people will be encouraged into the town to enjoy the activities of the day.”

Contact Steve Nash or Mandy Oldfield on 01425 473883 or e-mail town.council@ringwood.gov.uk for more information.