A DISTRICT council has asked people to think local when they shop for Christmas.

Wychavon District Council is urging people to support their local businesses by shopping in the towns of Droitwich, Evesham and Pershore, rather than head for large out-of-town stores.

"There has been a real upsurge in the number and quality of shops in the district's towns over the last year," said Wychavon town centre's officer Lew Hammond.

"These shops are often independent, have a wide range of quality gift ideas and are surprisingly competitive. I've been working with traders, local chambers of commerce and the town councils and there are a lot of good reasons why shoppers should stay close to home this year."

He said the towns would be better than ever with a host of Christmas activities, street entertainment and late night and Sunday shopping.

Mr Hammond said these events would be advertised nearer the dates, as well as posted on the council's website.

The run up to the festive period is traditionally marked with the switching on of Evesham's lights, which will take place on Thursday, November 23, at 6pm at the Market Square.

The following day, the Christmas lights will be switched on in Pershore's Broad Street at 4.30pm, with Droitwich's Salter Square lights being switched on 3.30pm on Saturday, November 25.

Each ceremony will be carried out by the town's mayor and will be accompanied by festive entertainment.