A HALESOWEN actor who appears in hit BBC drama Line of Duty is set to switch on the Christmas lights in his hometown this weekend.

Gregory Piper, who plays troubled teen Ryan Pilkington, will be special guest at the big event in Halesowen town centre on Saturday (November 16).

Thousands of people are expected to watch the former Windsor High pupil press the button to light up the town - Gregory will be joined by a lucky competition winner selected on the council’s Dudley borough Facebook page.

Before the switch-on, there will be a whole host of entertainment in the town for the event, which runs from 9am to 5.30pm.

Based around Somers Square, there will be a stage hosted by Black Country Radio featuring live entertainment from local performers throughout the day.

There will also be free children’s rides, a Christmas food and craft market and the chance for youngsters to meet Father Christmas.

Parking is free on council-owned car parks.

Councillor David Stanley, the Mayor of Dudley, said: "The Christmas lights switch-on events are always really well supported by residents in our borough towns.

"It helps to build excitement and Christmas spirit, and I hope lots of people will turn out to get the festive season off to a great start."

There are also lights switch-on events in town centres in Dudley (Sat November 23), Brierley Hill (Friday November 29) and Stourbridge (Saturday November 30).