CHRISTMAS officially starts in Tavistock tomorrow (Friday) as the sights, sounds and smells of the festive season prepare to hit people at every turn during Dickensian Evening.

The chestnuts will be roasting, traditional fairground rides will be dotted through the town, shopkeepers will be dressed in traditional costume and every Christmas present imaginable will be on sale.

With an extended programme of entertainment over a wider area, this year sees the first Dickensian organised by Tavistock Business Development District, which was set up three months ago.

Event organiser Lisa Wadling said she hoped people would come along and join in the fun: 'Dickensian is a massive event for Tavistock and it is something all the organisations get involved with, especially this year. It is so encouraging to see everyone working together.

'We hope to see everyone coming to town to do their Christmas shopping and supporting their local traders, singing along with the carols, enjoying all the attractions and having a really good time.'

Tomorrow's event starts with the switch-on of the town's Christmas lights at 5.45pm with children nominated from local schools to take part along with Tavistock mayor Philip Sanders, the Rev Michael Brierley and Father Christmas himself.

Some 183 children from St Peter's Primary School in Tavistock, Brentor and Mary Tavy Primary, Horrabridge and Lamerton primary schools and Tavistock College will be joining in a lantern parade at 6.15pm.

Tavistock Music Academy, Tavistock College Glee Choir and Morris dancers will be performing on a stage in Bedford Square prior to the final event — the carol service with the Stannary Band and St Eustachius Choir at 8.45pm.

The pannier market will host a Christmas craft fair and crafts will also be for sale in the town hall.

Attractions this year extend to the top of West Street and the Robey Trust will be bringing along three steam engines to add to the atmosphere.

Devon Youth Café will be raising money by charging people to throw sponges at victims in the stocks, which may include teachers from Tavistock College and there will be a fire eater in the churchyard. Inside the church will be the Christmas tree festival.

A hot roast, mulled wine, bacon baps and a barbecue by the Lions are among the refreshments on offer and don't forget the Tamar Valley donkeys will be making an appearance.

'All the traditional aspects of Dickensian, which make the event so special, are still there, but there is more of it this year,' added Lisa. 'Let's get Christmas off to a great start in Tavistock.'

Shops will stay open until 9pm. A park and ride scheme will run from Morrison supermarket, starting at 5pm.

l Today (Thursday) sees the switching on of the Trees of Light, which have been erected on the front of the town hall.

The Trees of Light, organised by the town's Lions Club, enable people to sponsor a bulb in memory of a loved one or good cause.

The proceeds go to charities, including the Children's Hospice South West, St Luke's Hospice and the Mustard Tree Macmillan Centre at Derriford Hospital.

Lions president Carole Gawn will switch on the trees' lights at 7pm.