The ongoing Covid crisis means there will be no grand switch on of Ledbury's Christmas Lights, next month.

Usually, the crowd-pleasing event takes place at the end of November, with carols and good cheer under the Market House; but in 2020, this will not be possible.

Town clerk, Angie Price said: "Unfortunately the switch on will not take place this year. But the council has purchased a tree and arrangements have been made for the lights to go up around the town and on the tree, and they will just be quietly switched on once this is done."

Meanwhile, the mayor, Cllr Daniel Vesma, is inviting entries for a Christmas card design to be used on his civic cards this year.

Every year it is tradition for the Mayor of Ledbury to send a festive card to local organisations, neighbouring Parish Councils, and local groups.

After receiving lots of impressive artwork for the shelter in the Recreation Ground, the council agreed to invite primary school youngsters to enter a competition, with the view to the winning picture being used on the mayor's Christmas card, this year.

The theme for the Christmas card competition is ‘kindness at Christmas’ and ‘Together even when apart’.

Cllr Vesma said: "I felt it was vital to recognise how important it is to be kind and to keep in touch with loved ones through these difficult times, especially for those who are self-isolating and are unable to see family and friends."

The entries need to be submitted by noon, November 16.

Name, age and contact details must be included.

Artwork can be sent via email to admin@ledburytowncouncil.gov.uk or by post to: Ledbury Town Council, Church Street, Ledbury, HR8 1DH.