THE Christmas lights at Thornton-le-Dale will be the biggest show yet. The village’s team of volunteers raised money to buy 20 new set-pieces of illuminations after the future of the lights was under threat earlier this year.

The switch-on will be at 6pm on Saturday, December 6 in the village square.

The organisers, Christmas Lights Volunteers, said: “We expect to maintain our reputation of having the best display in Ryedale.

“The lights display was under threat but the difficulties were resolved. The committee were overawed by the level of support expressed by residents and the importance of Thornton-le-Dale Christmas lights to the community.

“The lights have suffered this year from a cutback in funding from the public purse, but the committee is grateful to Chris Mitchell, our main sponsor, and new owner of the Hall Inn and Restaurant and to Steve Tipping, proprietor of the Fish & Chip Shop and to the New Inn for their most generous donations to our funds.”

The switch will be by the overall winner of a competition organised by Thornton-le-Dale School and judged by members of the lights committee.

A barbecue and pig roast, mulled wine and mince pies, soup and waffles, with the Easy Jazz Band and displays by the East Coast Morris Dancers.