PICKERING Town Council’s Christmas lights switch-on event will not be taking place this year due restrictions on social gatherings.

Mayor Cllr Helen McAnulty-Rickard: “The safety of our residents is of paramount importance to us and we are unable to guarantee this in the current climate.

“We know this will come as a huge disappointment to many as last year’s event was a great success and enjoyed by many.

“I do have some good news, though, the lights will be switched on and there will be more of them. The Christmas tree at the top of the Market Place will have new lights, and the tree on Smiddy Hill will have some additional lights, to name a few.

“We are already starting to plan next year’s Christmas lights switch-on where we hope to make it even better. Thank you for your understanding.”