PLANS are underway to put Hexham on the map to be one of the most festive towns in the North East, as council officials start planning in July.

Hexham Town Council hopes to bring more visitors to the town at Christmas by working with their new contractor Gala Lights to make the town more attractive during the Christmas season.

Gala Lights use LeBlanc fixtures which have been used in towns throughout the UK, including Harrogate, York, Brighton, and Canterbury and councilors hope it can put Hexham on the map.

Along with new Christmas light designs, the council hopes to extend the decorations down Back Street and over the River Tyne on the bridge – to welcome folk into ‘Christmas in Hexham’.

New festoon lighting and multi-coloured tree lights will also be featured and there are fingers crossed for a local celebrity to switch it all on.

Cllr. Suzanne Fairless Aitken, Chair of Community Engagement said "Paul Goddard at Gala Lights has been amazing, and with the help of Jeanette Dodd, the Town Council Clerk, we were pottering around Hexham to measure up and check fittings in March.

"The new lights are low energy, ‘infinitely’ recyclable and they use the best – LeBlanc fixtures – in towns throughout the UK, including Harrogate and York.

"Last year’s seasonal events were wonderful, and some even made BBC national news – Sankta Lucia, the amazing Christmas Movie Trail, our Christmas Markets, Pantomimes and Carols at the Bandstand -all really boosted trade and left you with that once-a-year festive feeling."