MORE community champions have been put forward for the honour of switching on a town's Christmas lights.

Rhona Teale, manager of the Barrow warehouse for Boxes of Hope Cumbria, and Lisa Pearce, a talented singer responsible for the hugely successful Kidfest, are the latest to be nominated to turn on Barrow's festive display.

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The two women join the scores of people who have so far had their names put forward in the quest to find a special someone to start the borough's celebrations in style.

Mrs Teale coordinates the area's annual shoe box appeal and collects, sorts and delivers thousands of gifts to children living in poverty in Romania.

After receiving the news, she said: "That's absolutely wonderful. I would be honoured to switch them on. I'm delighted."

Mrs Pearce, who goes by the stage name of Lisa Hart, organises the annual Kidfest event at Hawcoat Park, the biggest children's music festival in the region which attracts pop stars and entertaining acts.

She said: "That's so sweet. I'm glad to be in the running. It's lovely to be thought of."

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As part of Barrow's festive celebrations, there will be a Christmas party in Town Square from 3pm on November 19 with talented local entertainers set to wow the crowds with colourful displays.

As part of the extravaganza, the North-West Evening Mail is running a contest to find an inspirational member of the Barrow community to switch on the town's Christmas lights.

People can nominate their community heroes within Barrow borough until November 9 which is the deadline for entries. A panel of judges will assess all the entries before deciding on a winner.

To put someone forward, go to www.nwemail.co.uk or write to the Evening Mail with the name and contact details of the nominator as well as the name, age and contact details for the person you wish to nominate.

A summary of why the person deserves to win should also be included in the entry, which can be sent to Switch-on Star, North-West Evening Mail, Abbey Road, Barrow-in-Furness, LA14 5QS.