THERE’S no need to scramble for change if you’re driving to Dudley for the Christmas lights switch on tomorrow (Saturday) as parking will be free from 4pm.

But families will have to cough up the cash to use Dudley Council's car parks if they plan on heading to town earlier to enjoy the free funfair, live cookery demonstrations and street entertainers that will be in Stone Street Square and the Churchill Shopping Centre from 12noon.

The town's lights will be switched on at 5pm by Kascion Franklin, the actor who played a fictionalised version of a young Lenny Henry in the BBC One drama Danny and the Human Zoo.

He told the News: "I feel honoured to be invited to the switching on of Dudley's Christmas lights.

"I'm looking forward to joining in with all the celebrations as I now feel like a have a deeper connection with Dudley."

Once the town is lit up and feeling festive, shoppers will be able to take advantage of free parking across all council car parks on December 5, 12 and 19.

Councillor Hilary Bills, cabinet member for transport, said: “The council has traditionally provided free parking in the run-up to Christmas for the benefit of our traders and shoppers.”

Are you going to the switch on tomorrow? Tweet us your pics to @DudleyNews1 or send them to us on our Facebook page Dudley News.