A FINAL countdown has begun to Keighley's Christmas lights switch-on.

Coronation Street star Antony Cotton – who plays popular character Sean Tully in the long-running soap – will help push the plunger to illuminate the town's displays.

But the ceremony is just part of a whole day of activities, on Sunday (Nov 26), launching Keighley's festive build-up.

Cbeebies fans will be able to meet Bing and Flop, who will be in the Airedale Shopping Centre's Mall Cafe area at various times between 10.30am and 2.30pm.

There will be photo opportunities and lucky fans can receive Bing ears and stickers.

"It's fantastic to welcome such well-known TV personalities," said the shopping centre manager, Steve Seymour.

"We are expecting lots of excited children waiting to meet-and-greet Bing and Flop and with so much family fun taking place in and around the centre throughout the day, it promises to be a great start to Christmas."

A Santa's grotto is being set-up near Beales, in College Walk, which will also raise money for Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice Manorlands – the Airedale Shopping Centre's chosen charity this year.

A Pulse 1 and 2 roadshow will be in action at Bow Street, near the former central post office, from 2.30pm.

Locally-based performers will take to the stage, and games and competitions will be held.

The actual switch-on of the lights takes place at 4.30pm.

Manorlands will receive additional funds from a gift-wrapping service, which is running in the centre every Thursday from November 30 to December 21– between 4pm and 6.30pm – and weekends from December 2 to Christmas Eve.

The switch-on also launches upcoming late-night shopping in the centre, which will stay open until 7.30pm each Thursday from November 30 and between December 18 and 23.