AN impatient Santa Claus has already made his appearance in Calne, but residents will have to wait until Friday December 1 to see the Christmas lights switched on.

Father Christmas has been clearly visible dangling from the clock tower of the town hall for the past two weeks.

The figure will be lit up and will form the centrepiece of the town's festive decorations.

The lights are due to be switched on at 6pm by 100-year-old Bert Hardy, after an appeal from Calne Town Council for residents to nominate Calne's oldest resident for the job.

He will be joined by 98-year-old Jim Smellie and Leonard Crocker, 90.

There are more lights than ever this year.

New sites will include the Town Garden, St Mary's Churchyard, Sainsburys piazza and the Wharf.

Illuminated panels have also been added to the Town Hall and Bank House.

The town's Guides and Brownies will be singing carols in the town hall and pupils from St Mary's and St Margaret's Schools will also be in song at Sainsbury's piazza, joined by the Lions Club with Santa Claus.

The Scouts will be providing hotdogs and a contingent from the town council will be offering mulled wine and selling goods for charity.