IN most people's minds it's still a bit early to start worrying about Christmas, even after a week of unseasonal storms.

But officers at Blackburn with Darwen Council have been planning for a grander Yuletide by hiring the firm which helps organise Blackpool Illuminations as well as festive lights in Glasgow and Manchester.

Their expertise will be used to light up Blackburn and Darwen town centres with stylish displays - and not before time.

In many towns - and sadly that has included several in East Lancashire - would have been better not dressing the streets at all than having the sort of half-hearted efforts that have been seen over the years

Cut price or badly conceived Christmas light shows can so easily give town centres an undeservedly tatty air. There have also been acrimonious disputes in some places between traders and councils over how much should be spent and where decorations should be sited.

But with a three-year deal in place it now looks like Blackburn will really benefit thanks to a firm which also lights up New York and Nice.

The first change will be the disappearance of a rainbow of different colours in favour of all white lights - bringing a welcome and altogether classier look to the town centres.