PANTO stars are to transform Tadley into a winter wonderland when they switch the Christmas lights on next month.

The popular annual community event will see Welsh actress Melanie Walters and children’s TV presenter Mark Rhodes, who will both be performing in Jack and the Beanstalk at The Anvil over the festive period, switch on the lights.

Mark Rhodes is best known as one half of the hugely popular presenting duo Sam and Mark and since 2011, they have hosted Sam & Mark’s Big Friday Wind Up for CBBC.

Welsh actress Melanie Walters is most recognised for her role as Gwen West in the hit BBC comedy Gavin and Stacey.

The evening will kick-off at 6pm with the opening of a Christmas market in the Ambrose Allen Centre, in Franklin Avenue, where shoppers will be able to purchase items from a selection of stalls.

Entertainment on the night will include performances from the Tadley Band and the Tadley and Hurst Singers.

The light switch-on will then take place at 7pm.