MARKET Drayton businesses and families all set to turn on Christmas…with the help of Leek United.

The Society’s local branch team has been invited to officially switch on the town’s festive lights with the local Mayor on Saturday 16 November.

Also joining the civic party will be Leek United mascot Humphrey the Camel, and representatives from Market Drayton Mencap, the Branch team’s chosen charity throughout 2019.

The festive season will also start early for one lucky shopper on the night, when the winner of a luxury Christmas hamper* – raffled off by Leek United in aid of Mencap – is drawn and announced.

And for the children, a second raffle* has been organised, to win a metre-tall ‘cuddly’ Olaf’ snowman figure from Disney’s ‘Frozen’.

“Customers have already been amazingly generous in buying raffle tickets and supporting the charity,” said Dan Nutt, Leek United’s Market Drayton Branch Manager.

“We’re hoping to boost our fundraising, and raise awareness of, Market Drayton Mencap even more on the day, by setting up a stall outside the town hall leading up to the lights being switched on.

“Members of Mencap are joining us on the stall throughout the day, and two of them will be on stage with us for the big switch-on! It would be great to see townsfolk and visitors alike on the day, helping us to support Market Drayton at this special time of year.”

Dan and his team will be serving up mince pies and other refreshments from 9.00am, and generally helping Market Drayton shoppers to get into the festive spirit, with the town’s Christmas lights switch-on scheduled for 5.00 pm.