A very posh Father Christmas will be joining this year's Christmas Carnival through the streets of Swindon.

The suit Santa will be wearing has come from Harrods in Knightsbridge at a cost of £350.

It has been bought by fancy dress shop owner, Luke Skywalker, who is also the town's biggest Star Wars fanatic.

He decided to step in after the organisers of Sunday's Carnival, which has been renamed from the Christmas Parade, were unable to find a suitable costume or anyone to fill it.

Luke, 32, who lives in Stratton, has also bought a Rudolph and a Snowman costume at a cost of £500 each from New York for the event.

Unfortunately, he is unable to don the Santa suit himself because he will be at a show in Birmingham, but one of his staff has volunteered to take his place.

Others will wear the Rudolph and Snowman costumes and dress up as Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, a Christmas Monster, a Ringmaster with circus animals and a troop of furry creatures.

Luke said he had no choice but to get the costumes from special suppliers because they are so difficult to find in England.

"Father Christmas is the ultimate man so we had to do it properly and get his suit from one of the best shops," he said. "And some of the best costumes come from America, where they know how to party.

"The Carnival is a very big thing for Swindon and we are glad to be involved. To see all the children's faces light up is very special."

This year's Carnival will make its way through Swindon centre, starting from the Town Hall at 10.30am and finishing in Market Square at around 11.10am.

The 31 acts who have been booked will then perform around the centre for three hours, helping Christmas shoppers enjoy the rest of their day.

Other entertainers involved include seven silver drummers from Newcas-tle, The Ambassadors mobile steel band, The Natural Theatre Company, stiltwalkers and characters from the Nutcracker ballet.

For those who can't wait until Sun-day to get in the festive spirit, Swin-don's Christmas lights are being switched on in style tomorrow.

The entertainment will start at 5.30pm and then at 6.30pm Home and Away star Aleetza Wood, who plays Petra in the Australian soap opera, will do the honours, illuminating the town centre in a blaze of light.