FATHER Christmas may arrive in Ledbury on a wheeled dog-sled pulled by huskies.

Ledbury town councillors are hopeful of providing a mode of transport to make Father Christmas feel at home, before the lights are switched-on on Sunday, November 26, at 4pm.

Father Christmas arrives at 2pm and Ledbury High Street will be closed to all traffic, except emergency vehicles, from 11am to 8pm. The lights will be turned on by three primary school children, the winners of a painting and drawing competition organised by Countrywide to design a Christmas card.

The winners will also get to see their cards in print.

Last year, there were long queues in Church Street and into the council offices to see Father Christmas.

Coun Martin Eager, a member of the town's Christmas lights committee, said: "This year, I expect there will be queues again, but we need to keep the kids entertained."

With this in mind, a magician will mingle with the crowds.

Coun Eager continued: "For many local children, this is the one time each year that they actually get to see Father Christmas. None of the shops do this."

There are likely to be extra fairground rides in the town centre for young children.

The event will also include live bands and a display by Herefordshire Guild of Craftsmen in the Market House.

Refreshments will be served in the Burgage Hall, Church Lane, and there will be a display of porcelain dolls in the Royal British Legion Club, Church Street.

As in previous years, the High Street will be the venue for all sorts of stalls, selling everything from hand-crafted chocolates to takeaway food.