CANCER heroine Jane Tomlinson is to switch on Settle's Christmas lights.

Jane won the admiration and respect of the nation after completing two London Marathons, two Great North Runs, two London Triathlons, the Half Ironman UK Triathlon and a John O'Groats to Land's End tandem cycle ride - all since being diagnosed with terminal cancer.

She has won numerous awards for her courage and dedication to fundraising, including the MBE and the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Helen Rollason Award for Courage.

Jane has a special place in the hearts of North Craveners as her husband, Mike, was born and brought up in Settle and her mother-in-law, Alice, lives in the town.

Local people have backed her appeal from the start.

Jane will flick the switch to light up Settle at 4.30pm on Saturday November 29.

It will be the highlight of an afternoon of fun and activity in the town centre.

The day's line-up includes all the usual features plus a whole host of additional attractions.

"We wanted to make it a bit different this year," said Margaret Roberts, of The Flower Basket, one of the switch-on organisers.

"We thought it was time to alter things a little. We're delighted that Jane is coming,"

The fun starts at 12.30pm in the Market Place with live entertainment from local singers Stan and Jane.

There will be a town crier in attendance and Father Christmas, drawn by the Thwaites brewery dray horses, will make his way from Whitefriars car park to the Market Place.

Local school pupils will entertain the crowds, an Irish dance troupe will demonstrate traditional steps and a storyteller will present a mystery play.

There's also plenty to keep younger visitors occupied, including Uncle Pete's Magic Show and Punch and Judy.

Giggleswick and Settle Brass Band will play throughout the afternoon and there will be all the usual charity stalls.

After the switch-on there will be fireworks from the top of Castleberg and at 6pm the children's pantomime The Magic Castle will be performed in the Victoria Hall, promising a "wonderful Christmas show".

This year the day's theme will be Christmas Past and all the shopkeepers will be entering into the spirit of the occasion with suitably dressed windows and staff attire.

Everyone will be helping to raise money for Jane's Appeal.

She has currently raised around £372,000 to be split between Cancer Research UK, Hannah House care home in Rothwell, near Jane's home, Paediatric Acute Services at Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust, where Jane works as a radiographer, and Sparks - Sport Aiding Medical Research for Kids.

Donations to the appeal can be made by post to: Yorkshire Building Society, 46-48 Commercial Street Rothwell, Leeds, LS26 OAW, quoting the Jane Tomlinson Appeal and account number 5349471430.