KIND-hearted brothers, a pair of beauty queens and plenty of carols will be brightening up Kearsley next week.

The town is celebrating its Christmas lights switch-on at Kearsley Mount Methodist Church on Tuesday.

Pressing the button for the lights – which include a 30ft Christmas tree and 40 smaller trees – will be Joshua Gregson, eight, and his five-year-old brother Blake.

The pupils at St Stephen’s CE Primary School were chosen for the honour after donating money from their piggy banks after Poppy Appeal cash was stolen from the school earlier this month.

They will be joined by Miss North West, Christina Cunningham, from Kearsley, and Miss Lancashire Lucy Physick, who are both Miss England 2016 finalists.

Kearsley Youth Brass Band and St Stephen’s school choir, who will be singing Christmas carols, will be entertaining crowds and there will be jumbo hot dogs and drinks on sale.

The switch-on starts at 6.30pm and is part of the town's first Christmas Tree and Light Festival organised by Kearsley Festival Group.

Group member Tracey Wilkinson said the festival promised to be a massive success.

She said: “The support from local businesses has been amazing and it gives a lead for residents to support this brilliant festival.”