Bolton actress, Sammy Winward will be giving the residents of Bolton a festive treat when she switches on the town's Christmas lights on November 19.
The local lass is the latest addition to a long line of celebrities who have switched on the Christmas lights in Victoria Square, including Vernon Kay, Amir Khan and Danny Jones.
Sammy, who was born in Bolton and attended Turton School, crossed the Pennines to play Katie Sugden in Emmerdale from 2001 until earlier this year, but has always kept Bolton as her home.
The Christmas lights switch on will start at 5.30pm on Thursday November 19, with Sammy counting down to the big switch-on at 7pm.
Sammy said: "I'm delighted to be switching on the lights in Bolton this year.
"I remember when I was growing up my family always went along to the lights switch-on in Bolton and always had a great time.
"So it's particularly nice to be able to be there this year with my own little girl."
The Leader of Bolton Council, Councillor Cliff Morris, said: "We're really pleased to be able to welcome Sammy to Bolton's Christmas Lights switch-on and thrilled that she has agreed to flick the switch for us this year.
"We've pulled out all the stops again this year to make it a marvellous, magical Christmas in Bolton. Starting with the lights switch-on, we will have something for all the family in the run up to Christmas, including plenty of festive entertainment and attractions in the town centre."
Nikki Wilson Cook, Centre Manager for the Market Place, who are sponsoring the switch-on said: "The Christmas lights switch-on marks the start of the countdown to Christmas and the also the beginning of the shopping season. We love being part of this fantastic family event."
For all the build-up and action at Bolton's Christmas light switch-on, follow the council on Twitter @Boltoncouncil and get involved using #BoltonXmasLights
