A STRICTLY Come Dancing winner will kickstart Marlow's Christmas, it was announced this week.

Marlow Town Council had been hoping to come up with a celebrity name to switch on the festive lights - and it has come up trumps.

Tom Chambers, who won the sixth series of Strictly Come Dancing, will be the star guest at the new yuletide seasonal opener.

The actor who starred in Holby City and Waterloo Road will illuminate the town on November 21.

Parking in all the off-road car parks will be free throughout the day to encourage shoppers, with the aim of attracting plenty of visitors.

Mr Chambers, who has lived in the Marlow area for around three years, said: "I'm so thrilled to be given the honour of turning on Marlow's Christmas lights this year.

"It's the first time that there has been an official 'switch-on' so it'll be a brand new event not only for me but also for Marlow. I hope that lots of people will come along to see this beautiful town illuminated for the festive season and enjoy some Christmas shopping."

The television star has leant his celebrity status to various events, including a Strictly style competition at Sir William Borlase's Grammar School over the last few years.

‘Switch on and Shop', run by Marlow Town Council will feature special promotions, offers and displays in shops around the town. The switch-on will take place at around 6.30pm and shops will stay open until 9pm.

The council is encouraging shop owners and managers to plan ahead for the evening, and is offering to help via mentions and links on its website and in all publicity, including the Marlovian magazine, published in October.

The November 21 event is the first part of a double whammy of Marlow Christmas celebrations.

The traditional Late Night Shopping event, run by Marlow Chamber of Trade, will still go ahead on December 5.

It will no longer feature the Christmas tree light switch on, but will still have choirs and the real life nativity procession, with animals, and the High Street will be closed.

The chamber has promised it still be a great occasion to get gifts and take part in festive frolics in the lead up to the big holiday.