Comedian and writer Barry Cryer will be turning on Christmas lights in the streets he loves the most next month.

The comic, who appears regularly on Radio 4’s I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue and has written for The Two Ronnies, Morecambe and Wise, Tommy Cooper, Frankie Howerd and Billy Connelly, will throw the switch for Hatch End’s Christmas lights in Hatch End Broadway on Friday, December 6.

Carol singing around the town's 30ft Christmas tree, food, a magician and a Santa’s grotto will be among attractions at the event, which will run from 4pm to 6pm.

The ceremony will also mark the launch of a campaign called Come to Hatch End, created to attract people to the area's shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants.

Mr Cryer, who has lived in Hatch End for 45 years, remembers when it was a quiet suburb.

He said:  "I love the way Hatch End has transformed itself into the vibrant community we see today.

"There's such a friendly spirit everywhere you go and there's a real buzz in the air. No other part of London can match Hatch End for its superb mix of restaurants, shops and businesses all packed into one lively street.

“Do you know there are 25 places where you can buy something to eat or drink? Where else can boast that?

"If you've never visited Hatch End before, where have you been all your life? Come and see what you've been missing and I'm sure you'll be coming back again and again.”

Allan Carr, chairman of Hatch End Trade Association, added: “This year we’re going to light up Hatch End like never before. We have a new website and we’ve launched a Facebook page and we’re on Twitter. More than ever, Hatch End is the place to be.”

www.ComeToHatchEnd.com