With the nights drawing in and an increasing chill in the air, we're keen to enjoy some festive cheer wherever we can find it and there's no denying that the appearance of Christmas lights in town and city streets makes all the difference to our mood.
The added sparkle is always a welcome addition to dark winter evenings and the good news is that illuminations which are already rigged up around Newcastle city centre and the quayside are soon to be seen in their full glory. Following hot on the heels of the unveiling of Fenwick's Christmas window - which for many always signals the start of the festive season - the lights are due to be switched on within days.
And the countdown is under way for lots of other illuminations to follow suit around the region and some familiar faces are being called upon to perform the switch-flicking honours. They include TV actor-presenter Christopher Biggins and South Shields singing star Joe McElderry who both appear in local panto this year.
