IN Cirencester, the last Saturday of November is the traditional turning on of the Christmas lights, this year TV and film, actor Nigel Havers will be flicking the switch.

But it would not have been possible if a local solicitor, Alison Fielden, had not stepped forward to sponsor the event.

The town’s deputy Mayor Mark Harris explained that: “The Christmas lights we have been using had two problems, first they were rather bland and second they were wearing out and we were looking at a significant bill to repair them. We decided to upgrade the lights to something more cheery, but with the financial pressures on local councils we needed help to achieve that.”

The town council put out an appeal to local businesses and the Cirencester firm of solicitors’, Alison Fielden and Co, took the opportunity to be headline sponsors.

The firm’s founder Alison Fielden explained why they decided to get involved with the lights switch-on.

She said: “We always get involved in the Christmas festivities in town, for example handing out free mince pies and mulled wine from outside our offices in Dollar Street. This opportunity allowed us to make a contribution to the community we serve.”

Mr Harris added: “This has been a huge boost, we want to put on a great show for the local community, and this has allowed us to do just that, I’m sure residents and visitors to the town will agree it is a great improvement.”