ALTRINCHAM is on the hunt for a ‘star’ to switch on the town’s 2016 Christmas lights – with the winner banking goodies worth more than £700.

Altrincham Unlimited, the rebranded Altrincham Business Improvement District, has teamed up with Key 103 to find a youngster to switch on the lights on Saturday November 19.

The competition is open to children aged five to 16, and as well as doing the honours of flicking the switch, the winner will take home a bumper prize.

Retailers across the town have donated gifts for the winner’s hamper, including Waterstones, The Entertainer, Paperchase, WH Smith, Wilko, Edit & Oak, Idaho, Homebird, Bumkins Designer Kids, Diadem Jewellery, Randalls Jewellery, and Didi’s Boutique.

The lucky youngster will also get tickets to see Alice in Wonderland on Ice at Silver Blades Ice Rink, an afternoon tea at The Old Post Rooms, and a fish and chip supper at Altrincham Fish Bar.

To be in with the chance of winning, all the children have to do is answer one simple question – why they love Altrincham.

Katie Bland, Altrincham Unlimited manager, said: “The best answer will win an amazing prize; the honour of joining our performers on stage to switch on the Christmas lights and a festive hamper bursting with gifts.

“There’s a real buzz in Altrincham now with new businesses opening almost weekly and this competition is a celebration of everything that makes Altrincham special – the businesses, the people and a collective determination to revitalise the town.”

This is the first year Altrincham Unlimited is leading the Christmas events in the town centre.

David Wightman, manager of Stamford Quarter and Altrincham Unlimited board member, said it promises to be the best yet.

He added: “The businesses have really risen to the occasion with some very generous donations and we think it’s fitting that after all the work the local community has put into the resurgence of Altrincham, this year’s lights will be switched on by an Altrincham ‘Christmas Star’.”

To enter the competition visit key103.co.uk/win/win-a-luxury-christmas-hamper-plus-turn-on-altrincham-christmas-lights/. Entries must be received by Friday November 11. The winner will be informed later that day.