WINCHESTER’S Christmas lights will be switched-on by a local hero, and the public will decide who.

The event on November 15 in The Broadway from 4pm features Rich Clarke, of Heart Radio, Winchester Cathedral Choristers, the Pilgrims'

School Chamber Choir and Integr8 Dance.

Winchester Business Improvement District, who are in charge of the switch-on, are calling for residents to nominate local people who have ‘selflessly supported or helped others, or succeeded in a great personal achievement’, or those who ‘dedicated their time, skill or energy in helping to enhance Winchester’s community in some way’.

Last year the lights were switched on by Kev Collick, the Big Issue seller.

Nominations are open now and will close on November 2. However, the person or group, nominated must live or work in Winchester.

Winchester BID manager, Paul Spencer, said: "This is a fun, family event that brings together the whole of the city’s community and helps get everyone in the festive spirit."

He continued: ‘It’s also the perfect opportunity to shine the spotlight on our community heroes, which is why we are in search of well deserving local people to help switch on this year’s lights. Heroes come in all forms and sometimes it is the small things people do which make a huge difference to those around them."

Winchester BID has developed a free app, called PARK WINCHESTER, which provides its users with real time parking space availability for all car parks across the city. The app is free to download from Google Play and the Apple Store. They have also put in place free Park and Ride on Sundays, from November 18, for the run up to Christmas.

For more information about the events or initiatives visit www.winchesterbid.co.uk, or follow #winchlights #festivewinch and @winchesterBID on social media platforms.