MEMBERS of Oswestry Rotary Club are counting down the sleeps until the Christmas Tree of Light switch on this week.

The switch on will take place on Festival Square outside Square One Cafe at 5pm on November 26.

Oswestry Town Mayor, Councillor Mark Jones, accompanied by a choir and band from The Marches Academy, will also launch the Club's 24th Christmas appeal for local charities by switching on the tree lights.

Santa and his elf helper will also be there to meet and greet the crowds, have their photos taken and distribute some small gifts for the younger visitors.

Club president Dave Griggs said: "We invite supporters to donate to our Christmas appeal to support five worthwhile local charities; The Midlands Air Ambulance who provide a fantastic service that we all rely upon, Oswestry Young Carers, Severn Hospice, Lingen Davies and the Marches group for the Riding for the Disabled.

"This year we are hoping that supporters will find it easier just to text their donation of £5 by texting TREEOFLIGHT to 70085 from their phone.

Of course, supporters can also download and fill in a form from the Club website, www.rotarycluboswestry.co.uk as always, to donate and make a dedication for a special event.

"To remind donors what to do, we asked Oswestry's Men In Sheds if they could produce a photo cutout board of Santa bearing the details of how to make a text donation and they have done a fantastic job!"