PEOPLE will be able to lace up their skates and glide around an ice rink at this year's Netherton Christmas lights switch on.

The festive event on December 1 will see the Savoy car park transformed into a winter wonderland from 3pm.

People can continue to soak up the merry atmosphere by singing carols around the anchor with the Cradley Heath Salvation Army Band from 6.30pm before heading to the Christmas market in the Arts Centre, which will run from 7pm until 9pm.

Kids can visit Santa in his grotto to make some last minute present demands and there will also be live entertainment throughout the evening.

The event has been organised by the Netherton Regeneration Group, which has worked with the Netherton Central Tenants and Residents Association to secure funding through the Community Forum and the National Lottery.

Councillor Gaye Partridge, cabinet member for housing, said: “This is a great time of year for our community, as local residents, organisations and businesses come together to hold such a large festive event to be enjoyed by everyone.

"In Dudley we have very many TRA's who work hard for the residents who live on our estates, but, it is also good to see work going on beyond estate boundaries and reaching out to the wider community.

“I would like to congratulate everyone who has worked to put on this Christmas celebration and to wish them the greatest success with the event."