FOUR giant illuminated stars are once again set to shine out over Alvechurch during the festive season.

The stars will be fixed to the top of St Laurence's Church tower and the switch-on ceremony takes place on Saturday.

Alvechurch parishioners are invited to the church at 4.30pm before going outside to stand round the tower for the ceremony.

Hot drinks, jacket potatoes and sausage rolls will be served afterwards.

Alvechurch resident Graham Clark has specially made the stars and last year, more than 100 people attended the switch-on ceremony.

Rector of Alvechurch, the Rev David Martin, said: "The stars make a very impressive sight in the night sky.

"They appear to hover over the sleeping village and provide a reminder of God's watchfulness over us all."

A competition is also being held to decide who will switch on the illuminated stars this year.

Alvechurch parishioners are asked to answer the question 'at which point of the compass did the wise men see the star?'

Answers, along with name and address, should be sent to Star Lighting Competition, St Laurence's Church, Alvechurch B48 7SB to arrive no later than Friday.

The stars will be there until January 6.