For golden girl Becky — who scooped two gold medals at the summer Olympics in Beijing — will be signing autographs at the major festive event.

Becky (19) — now a sought-after personality for television and the media nationwide following her sensational Olympics — has made time to join in the Christmas fun in her home town.

Due to training commitments she is unable to help switch on the lights at 6.45pm on Thursday 13th November, but she will be in the Four Seasons Centre later in the evening from 7.45 to 8.30pm after the switch-on event to sign autographs.

Organiser Lisa Vincent, Mansfield town centre events and promotions co-ordinator, said: "We are really pleased to have Rebecca play a part in this year's switch-on. This year's event is by far the best line-up of entertainment we have had and has a community feel to it.

"I hope the people of Mansfield will come down and support their town."

The lights switch-on event, sure to draw thousands of people to Mansfield Market Place, will include appearances by TV personality Chico, Mansfield's own Paralympic gold medal winner Sam Hynd, Father Christmas, Stags players, panto stars, children's TV favourite Peppa Pig and fireworks.

Chico and Sam will be on stage during the switch-on event — and also signing autographs in the Four Seasons afterwards with Becky.

The event is organised and supported by Mansfield District Council, Mansfield Town Centre Partnership, Four Seasons Shopping Centre, Mansfield 103.2, Chad and Mansfield Christmas Lights Committee, with support from Experience Nottinghamshire.

It all starts at 5.30pm, with Mansfield 103.2 and the Chad Roadshow giving away prizes and providing music and entertainment through to the switch-on of the lights at 6.45pm, followed by fireworks.

The event also marks the start of late-night shopping in Mansfield, with shops open in the Four Seasons and elsewhere until 9pm.

Stores will open late every Thursday from the switch-on up to Christmas, when there will also be entertainment — from traditional carol singers to street and children's entertainers – outside the library on West Gate, courtesy of Mansfield District Council.

For more information go to www.mansfield-christmas-lights.org.uk

2 giant screens to show the fun

The Christmas Lights Switch-on evening's entertainment will be shown live on two giant TV screens to ensure that the thousands of people expected in Mansfield Market Place don't miss a thing.

The entertainmentl includes appearances by reality TV star Chico and Paralympic gold medal winner Sam Hynd, plus:

• Children's favourite Peppa Pig


• Santa Claus arriving on a vintage fire engine


• Panto stars from the Palace Theatre's Sleeping Beauty


• Live entertainment from Clare Elise


• A spectacular firework finale


• A snow machine


• Stags manager Billy McEwan and players