IN the run up to Dudley town centre’s Christmas lights switch on, people can buy wish tags to hang on the town’s tree in memory of a loved one.

The small wooden ornaments are available from a number of town centre shops, including Laura Elizabeth Crafts in Stone Street, with all proceeds going to White House Cancer Support.

Wish tags, which have space for people to write a special message on, will be hung on the tree ahead of the switch on and Victorian Christmas Fayre on Saturday, December 10.

From 11am Stone Street Square will be packed with 24 craft stalls, birds of prey, face-painters, a vintage musical organ, Dudley Zoo animals, glass blowing and traditional food sellers.

Britain’s Got Talent finalist, Connie Talbot will arrive on a sleigh with Father Christmas, courtesy of Tipton Community Group, to switch on the lights at 4.45pm.

Black Country Radio will be broadcasting throughout the day and choirs, gospels singers and poets will also perform.

Councillor Mohammed Hanif, the Mayor of Dudley, said: “The local community and traders in Dudley have worked really hard to plan a fun traditional lights switch-on event and I’d encourage people to show their support and go along and get in the festive spirit.

“The White House is a very worthy charity and I hope people will take the opportunity to support them through buying a wish tag for a missed loved one.”