CHRISTMAS decorations in Lyme Regis will this year be bigger and brighter than ever before, with the town puttting on its most extravagant display yet.

A giant Christmas tree at the foot of Broad Street (known locally as the Shambles) will be the focal point of a festive red and white scheme - weighing in at £7,000 because of a hike in insurance premiums.

Lyme Regis town mayor and Christmas lights committee chairman Barbara Austin said: "We have concentrated on the tree this year, introducing improvements to make it look better than before.".

The mayor will switch on the lights next Saturday November 27 at 5.30pm, followed by a parade, featuring the junior band, the majorettes, the fire engine and Father Christmas.

Students from the Woodroffe School's art department will judge the annual children's lantern competition, sponsored by Colin and Judith Pothercary.

"This has always proved to be a very popular competition," said the mayor, "and youngsters from the surrounding areas are welcome to join the locals and join in the Christmas spirit."

The lighting project is backed by a £2,000 donation for the town council, and grant aid is also anticipated from the district authority. The remainder of the money comes from trader donations and fund raising events run by the committee.