THE countdown to the big day has started and Christmas lights are now springing up all over Hampshire and Dorset, with the big towns set to light up in style over the next few weeks.

In Fordingbridge residents can turn out to see the town's new lights turned on this Saturday in confidence that the display will this year be not only more cost-effective but also better for the environment.

The green' LED lights have been bought with donations from many local firms and individuals and will use just five per cent of the electricity that the old set would have over the Christmas period.

The big switch on will be at 4.30pm and for those who want to make an evening of it there will be late night shopping as well as a chance to see a show with a difference at the Church Hall.

Roly Bain, an Anglican minister who is also a clown, will be treating audiences to his unique brand of humour at the hall from 6pm and Father Christmas will also be on hand to delight the youngsters.

Camels will be taking centre stage for this year's Christmas parade in Ringwood, replacing reindeer that are unable to attend because of restrictions in place to try to limit the spread of Bluetongue disease.

The event will start at 6pm at the Furlong on December 7 and the parade of wise men, pipers, Mary and Joseph on donkeys and many others will travel around the town, with lots of entertainment on offer through the evening.

In Verwood the Rotary Club and town council have organised a Christmas Extravaganza on December 15, when there will be a day of entertainment including steam train rides, music, mulled wine and mince pies.