Maryport's Christmas lights will be switched on this weekend but the town's hospital was one step ahead.

Town mayor Linda Radcliffe was on hand to see the lights and Christmas tree lit up at the hospital for the first time.

The lights were donated to the hospital to brighten it up.

Healthcare assistant Paula Wild asked the town council for the donation as the threat of bed closures hangs over the hospital.

She said: "I just thought we have been through so much this year that it would be nice to brighten the place up for Christmas. I hope the lights send out a message to people that we are still going and still fighting."

The town centre's lights will be switched on Saturday.

A continental market will be in Senhouse Street from noon.

Flimby Brass Band will play from 1pm until 2pm.

There will be entertainment and activities at the top of Senhouse Street from 2pm until 6pm including the Misfitz, Maryport Junior School choir, Spotlight and Imagination Parties.

Santa will be in his grotto in the Labour Club from 2pm to 6pm. Visits to the grotto are £6 per child and include presents.

The lights will be switched on at about 5pm by Councillor Radcliffe, with the help of toddler Jack Gibson, who is undergoing treatment for cancer, Lillie-Mae Jackson, six, who lost her legs and an arm through meningitis, and pupils from the town's primary schools.