TELEVISION star Carol Vorderman is to switch on Portishead's Christmas lights next month. The popular celebrity, who co-hosts Channel 4 quiz show Countdown, will flick the switch on the town's illuminations on November 26 at 6.30pm. The Portishead Christm

TELEVISION star Carol Vorderman is to switch on Portishead's Christmas lights next month.The popular celebrity, who co-hosts Channel 4 quiz show Countdown, will flick the switch on the town's illuminations on November 26 at 6.30pm.The Portishead Christmas Lights Committee, which each year works tirelessly to put up the illuminations in the town, said it was delighted to attract such a big name celebrity to do the honours.Christmas lights committee treasurer Barry Randall said: "We are delighted to have Carol turn on our Christmas lights - it is a real coup."She is a much-loved TV personality and I am sure she will bring a big crowd to the switch on of the lights."This year the lights have been extended to include Stoke Road and the large tree at South Avenue by the police station.The display, which has cost in the region of £12,000, will consist of 7,500 bulbs being strung through the town centre.The switch on will take place in the precinct and the High Street will be closed off from the junction of Coombe Road to the Wyndham Way junction.Music will be provided in the build up to the switch on and there will also be a fireworks display.The North Somerset Times Tree of Light will also be switched on during the night and details of how to sponsor a bulb in memory of a loved one to help raise money for the lights will appear in a forthcoming edition of the newspaper.