THERE'S still time to nominate a special child to take centre stage at the launch of Christmas in Taunton town centre.

Readers of the County Gazette are being asked to put forward the name of a boy or girl who deserves to switch on the Christmas lights to get the festive season in full swing.

It could be a youngster who has fought bravely against disability or illness; done something outstanding to help someone else; or achieved something or great note.

The winner, who will be chosen from all nominations by a team of judges including Cllr John Meikle and PC Nic Gardner, will accompany Santa Claus in his reindeer-drawn sleigh.

Once in the town centre, he or she will have the honour of lighting up the county town for the Christmas period at 5.15pm on Sunday, November 19.

Assistant town centre manager Juliet Hunt said: "Accompanying Santa and switching on the Christmas lights is a real honour for one special child.

"There are scores of deserving children out there and we want to hear about them all.

"It's going to be hard selecting the winner because there are so many special children in the Taunton area.

"We want to make sure it is someone who really deserves the honour."

Anyone can nominate an under-18 who lives in Taunton Deane by sending in their details and a description in up to 100 words of why they should be chosen.

Send your entries with your name, address, telephone number and the reason you believe your nominee should be Taunton's special child this Christmas to Juliet Hunt, Assistant Town Centre Manager, Taunton Town Centre Company Ltd, The Old Municipal Buildings, Corporation Street, Taunton TA1 4AQ. Alternatively, you can e-mail your entry to juliet@tauntontowncentre.co.uk But be quick - nominations must be in by next Monday, November 13.