BANKERS have stepped in at the last minute to save the Trowbridge Christmas lights switch-on which takes place tonight after new pavements threatened the ceremony.

Officials at HSBC adopted a Scrooge-style response when asked if the annual ceremony could be held outside their Fore Street branch, but eventually joined in the Christmas spirit when civic officials pleaded their cause.

A costly project to revamp pavements in Market Place meant the heavy ceremony stage was banned from its regular town hall spot, over fears it could crack newly- laid stone slabs.

After an initial knock- back, town council officers kept on at managers to relent as the popular festive event faced being snowballed.

Trish Carpenter, of Trowbridge Town Council, said: "We are obviously grateful to HSBC as we had nowhere else to stage the event. I hope people remember we have moved the location and turn up at the right spot."

Eight-year-old Trowbridge schoolboy George Galpin will be given the honour of lighting up the town, after scooping first prize in a council-organised competition to design a Christmas light. His design will be transformed into a real-life decoration and displayed in the town.

George will be joined on stage by a host of local dignitaries including mayor Glyn Bridges and Trowbridge Chamber of Commerce chairman Colin Scragg.

Reigning carnival queen Kathleen Cullen, 20, will make an appearance alongside carnival princess Naomi Havergal and butterfly queen Sophia Medway. Father Christmas is lined up to spread the festive cheer along with town crier Trevor Heeks.

Santana tribute band, Sultana, will add a touch of Latin spice and gift shop HB Pitt will extend its opening hours, providing mince pies and mulled wine to help raise money for Children in Need.

The majority of shops have opted not to stay open for the event, despite pleas from civic leaders.

The switch-on is scheduled for 6.30pm.

l Wiltshire Times staff will take part in a live outside broadcast with BBC Radio Wiltshire at the switch-on.

Editor Toby Granville will be talking to drive-time presenter Mark Jones live from the ceremony along with Wiltshire Times reporters and members of the sales team.