Dereham's inspiring youngsters still have time to enter our competition to win the chance to switch on the town's Christmas lights.The Dereham Times is looking for a deserving young person aged 16 or under to have a starring role in the annual switch-on event when thousands of people are expected to gather in the Market Place to see the town decorated in lights.

Dereham's inspiring youngsters still have time to enter our competition to win the chance to switch on the town's Christmas lights.

The Dereham Times is looking for a deserving young person aged 16 or under to have a starring role in the annual switch-on event when thousands of people are expected to gather in the Market Place to see the town decorated in lights.

We are looking for somebody with an inspirational tale to tell. They could have shown great courage in battling an illness, performed a heroic act to help others, spent their time volunteering to help make Dereham a great place to live, or have achieved great things in or out of school.

The youngsters can entered themselves or be nominated by others, and the ultimate winner will also receive a �50 voucher to spend on toys from Starlings Toymaster and a goody bag from the store.

Already we have had a number of entries and there is still time for even more youngsters to enter before the closing date on Thursday, November 12.

The switch-on is part of a day of festive fun on Sunday, November 29 which will include a 12 metre ice rink outside the town's cinema. The event is being co-ordinated by the Dereham Area Partnership, Dereham Town Council and Dereham Chamber of Trade and Commerce.

t The closing date for the Christmas lights switch-on competition is Thursday, November 12. Entries

must include the young person's name, age, address, contact number and reason for nomination. Send entries to Switch-on Competition, Dereham Times, Bond House, High Street, Dereham, NR19 1DZ or e-mail emma.knights @archant.co.uk Normal Archant rules apply.

t There will be Christmas and charity stalls in the Market Place during the switch-on celebrations. Anybody who would like to have a stall at the event should contact George Hayes by calling 07884 263241 or emailing ghayes2098@aol.com

t Shops and businesses in Dereham are being encouraged to take part in a Christmas window display competition. The winner of the window display competition will win a �100 donation to a charity of their choice and two runners up will receive certificates signed by Dereham's mayor. Judging will take place in early December.

Any company or business that would like to take part should contact Dereham Town Council on 01362 693821 or generalenquiries@derehamtowncouncil.org