A LINE-up of stars from dastardly Star Wars baddie Darth Vader to firm children's favourites The Gruffalo and Peppa Pig will help get the countdown to Christmas in Petersfield well under way today.

The stars of the small screen and the big screen are set to bring a sparkle to Petersfield and its giant Christmas tree and help make dreams come true for children with life threatening illness.

The occasion is the annual switch on of the town's festive lights, which doubles up with the BBC's annual Children in Need fundraiser – and will raise cash and awareness for the Liphook-based Dreams Come True charity which helps terminally and seriousy-ill children.

For full story, see this week's Petersfield Herald.