CHRISTMAS may be six months away, but a council is asking for ideas on how to celebrate the festive season - just don't expect them to help pay for anything.

Planning is underway for Christmas 2017 and Taunton Deane Borough Council wants to hear your ideas.

The authority says it works closely with partners, especially the business community, to ensure plenty of Yuletide fun and good cheer.

It is now asking groups and individuals to come forward with ideas as well.

Cllr Mark Edwards, the Deane's executive councillor for business development and events champion, said the aim is to ensure a programme of high quality events to boost the economy and provide entertainment throughout the festive season.

He added: "It may seem early to start thinking about Christmas, but we need to make sure we have a packed programme that makes the most of our resources.

"While we unfortunately don’t have any funding to offer, we can help to enable events and market them when approved.

"We are keen to work with our local businesses and others to develop a Christmas programme that people will enjoy, will encourage more to visit Taunton and so support our economy.”

The marketing team would like people to put forward costed proposals for one-off Christmas events or initiatives that could run throughout the festive season in Taunton Deane.

It will consider every proposal to see whether it can provide practical help to enable the events to take place.

Proposals should be sent to marketing and visitor centre manager Andrew Hopkins at the Taunton Visitor Centre, Market House, Fore Street, Taunton, TA1 1JD or e-mail: a.hopkins@tauntondeane.gov.uk