A TOWN is set to be transformed into a winter wonderland thanks to a cash injection of thousands of pounds.
Millom town centre is set to be illuminated with Christmas cheer as council officials flick the switch on a new set of lights this year.
For the past few years, the town has been decorated with a collection of old-fashioned lights but Millom is set to be brought into the modern age with a new set of LED bulbs.
Town councillor Denise Burness has been working hard for the past 12 months to select the perfect lights for the town.
She said: "We wanted to develop the square in particular because that's where most people come in but we've got them in the main shopping areas of the Terrace and Wellington Street as well.
"We will have LED lights all around the edge of the square with a special cascading effect.
"Most of the lights are blue and white, because they are much more efficient, but we're having some motifs on the side of the walls which will be multi-coloured."
After gauging the opinion from members of the public, Cllr Burness worked closely with suppliers before gaining the approval of the whole council.
Cllr Burness said: "We wanted to get it right because a number of towns aren't doing Christmas lights anymore because of the costs.
"We decided to go ahead with it because we felt not having them would be the wrong decision.
"I think they're nice; they brighten up the town."
This year the council have set aside a total of £12,000 for the Christmas season, the lion's share of which has been spent on the lights.
Usually the council keeps the same lights for a period of four to five years but this new contract gives councillors more room for manoeuvre.
Cllr Burness said: "This new contract is really handy because if people like them they can keep them next year but if they don't we can easily change it.
"It means we ca have a bit of variety and it's not too samey."
The new lights will be unveiled on Friday at the official Christmas lights switch on and Cllr Burness hopes it will bring a touch of festive sparkle to the town.
She said: "After bonfire night, there's nothing bright on the dark nights we have at the moment.
"Last year when we came into town it did help the place look more welcoming and bright.
"I'm really looking forward to seeing them now and seeing a bit of Christmas cheer in the town."
Are you looking forward to Christmas? Check out our extensive list of Christmas light switch on events still to come across the area
Coniston
An indoor evening Christmas market showcasing over 20 stalls with local products, cakes, farm produce candles and more. Hot food will be available in the kitchen and the Hawkshead Wind Band will play some festive tunes from 6.30pm
Where: The Coniston Institute
When: Friday November 25 from 3pm
Grange
Father Christmas will arrive to meet the children and the Mayor of Grange will switch on the town's Christmas lights at 6:30pm, followed by carol singing to the music of Flookburgh Band. People of all ages come together to sing carols, see Santa and join in the fun! Grange's Christmas tree is a 100 ft high Wellingtonia and is one of the tallest living Christmas trees in England and until 2005 it was the tallest.
Where: Yewbarrow Terrace (opposite Hazelmere Bakery)
When: Saturday December 3 from 6pm
Ulverston
The annual Ulverston Dickensian Christmas Festival will take place again this year. A wonderful free event for all the family. Hundreds of festive stalls, free entertainment, period costume competition, Queen Victoria, Santa, Mr. Bumble and others. Christmas lights switch-on, and lots of fabulous shops, cosy pubs and cafes.
Where: Ulverston Town Centre
When: Saturday November 26 - Sunday 27
Windermere
Local school choirs will lead a parade through the town centre before the lights are switched on. With a lucky dip for children, craft fair, face painting and a trip to Santa's grotto rounded off with fireworks in Queens Park.
Where: Windermere Town Centre
When: Saturday December 3 from 11am
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here