THE official switch on of Taunton Deane's Christmas lights has been postponed due to extreme weather.

The decision was made by Pat Mayhew of TIME4, who organises the lights switch on event.

However, shops will still be open and some lights will be switched on for the evening.

Ian Timms, assistant director of Business Development at Taunton Deane Borough Council, said: "Unfortunately due to the predicted high winds and rain tomorrow, Sunday November 29, the event’s organiser for the Taunton Christmas lights switch, TIME4,  has made the decision to postpone the official switch on of the lights.

"The postponement is driven by concerns around public safety and has followed advice from the Met Office on the potential conditions.

"This is due to the nature of the event which includes a range of temporary market stalls, fairground and open top bus switch on of the lights.

"The council supports the decision and we will be seeking to assist the running of the official lights switch on event next Sunday, December 6.

"The town centre shops will of course still be open within the town tomorrow and remain unaffected by the weather conditions.

"We understand other events across the South of England planned for tomorrow have also been cancelled due to the predicted weather conditions."

70mph winds have been forecast by Met Office.

A spokesperson for Taunton Deane Borough Council added: "However, we don't want people to think that Christmas has been cancelled."

Some lights will be switched on this evening, with further lights expected to come on during the week.

The event which has been postponed includes the VIP switching on the Christmas tree lights and those around the market house, as well markets on North Street and fun fairs organised for the evening.

These have now been rescheduled to take place next Sunday, December 6.

A tweet from Taunton Deane Borough Council said: