Craven Arms celebrations saved

Community spirit has won the day in a south Shropshire town after a group of volunteers teamed up to ensure Christmas celebrations would go ahead after all this year.

Individuals from a host of organisations in Craven Arms have stepped in to make sure the Christmas lights switch-on and lantern parade takes place after the organising committee disbanded.

Representatives from the town's community centre, town council, local housing associations, Artswalk and the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre have worked to make sure the event on December 4 will be one to remember.

People of all ages are expected to take part in the day, which traditionally attracts good crowds to bring in the festive season.

Nicola Bradbury, community development officer at Craven Arms Community Centre, said: "Most of the community usually get involved with the event, but there isn't a committee this year so a few of us from different organisations have taken it on.

"Several people have worked together to make it happen, and there will be plenty of seasonal food from traditional horse chestnuts to Indian food.

"We hope it will be a really busy day in Craven Arms and that everyone will get involved."

The lantern parade, led by the Bang On samba band, will start at Craven Arms Community Centre at about 5.30pm and follow a route down Market Street before finishing in the town square.

The Christmas lights will be switched on between 5.45pm and 6pm and there will be carol singing.

A lantern workshop will also be held at the community centre on November 27 from 10am to 4pm to make lanterns in advance.