KEN Dodd is coming to Leigh next week to turn on the town's Christmas lights.

The comedian, who has switched on the lights in the past and is a frequent visitor to the town, will be making the crowds laugh next Thursday.

He will be joined by Leigh Centurions' director of rugby Alex Murphy and TV star Will Travis, who has appeared in Emmerdale, Where the Heart Is and Casualty.

Event co-ordinator Cllr Brian Jarvis wants to see the town hall square packed and is appealing to people to turn out in force to greet Doddy and see the lights spectacular.

"This year's event should be bigger and better than ever," he said. "It is a big day for Leigh and I am hoping we can arrange for a bell ringer at the church to join the celebrations."

The fun starts in the afternoon with a children's fair and street entertainment with a disco and free chocolate.

Santa, in a horse-drawn sleigh, will lead a parade from Spinning Gate to the town hall, where the town crier will introduce the guests before the 6pm switch-on.

Then Santa's sleigh will lead the procession back to Spinning Gate, where activities will continue to coincide with the start of Leigh's late-night Christmas shopping.