PREPARATIONS are well underway in Dawlish for Christmas celebrations with the introduction of new ‘selfie boards’.

The festive boards, for both humans and doggy friends, have been dotted around the town ahead of the festive lights switch on.

Volunteers have been out in force to make sure Dawlish is in top condition for the celebrations on Friday.

The selfie boards have been brought in to provide the chance for a festive photo shot while enjoying the town’s independent shops and Christmas Market.

Members of the town’s Chamber of Trade and Commerce have also spent several days collecting, wrapping and installing 100 lit Christmas trees outside shops, cafes and retail outlets.

Mayor of Dawlish Anthony James also stepped in to help preparing, lifting, trimming and sorting the trees.

A Chamber spokesman said: ‘It’s the kind of hard graft most people never get to see and it’s exactly what makes Dawlish shine at Christmas.’

Over November 29 and 30, there will be lots of events and entertainment which has been organised by the Chamber and Dawlish Town Council.

From 10am on Saturday 29th November, festivities will begin with a full day programme of live music performed around the town centre, showcasing local talent, while revellers enjoy some Christmas shopping.

The official lights switch on takes place starting at 4.30pm with a lantern parade and live nativity hauled by a festively decorated tractor and trailer.

There is also a two-day Christmas market, choirs, bands and live music, family entertainment and carol sing-a-longs.

Father Christmas will be arriving not by a sleigh, but by a vintage Bedford Delivery Van owned by Gay’s Creamery, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary of trading in Dawlish this year.

Chairman of Dawlish Chamber of Trade Neil Salter said: ‘I’m very excited about having one of the biggest Christmas celebrations Dawlish has seen in a long time.’

Mayor of Dawlish Cllr Anthony James said: ‘This year’s lead up to Christmas celebrations, have got to be the best yet.’