Ongar's Christmas Capers event is once more set to prove a big hit after it was confirmed that former world heavyweight boxing champion Frank Bruno is to switch on the Manor Square tree lights.

A spokesman for Ongar Town Partnership, which is organising the festivities, revealed that a knockout evening is in store on Friday, November 30.

This year's Capers event will take place in and around the High Street between 6pm and 8pm, with Big Frank set to perform the Big Switch On at 7pm.

The spokesman added: "Other activities and events which are being organised include school choirs singing carols in the Budworth Hall from 6pm and a Yuletide display by Ongar Flower Club."

He added: "There will be food and drink and street entertainers. And don't forget to see if Father Christmas needs rescuing from the tower of Ongar Fire Station."

A further attraction will see the winners of a schools' Christmas poster competition presented with their certificates of achievement.

Last year's event was hailed a "resounding success" after an estimated 1,500 people flocked to the High Street to soak up the festive atmosphere.

For further details of the work of the Ongar Town Partnership, or to get involved in the Christmas Capers as a volunteer, contact Ron Case on 01277 363804

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.