PRESCOTis celebrating Christmas early after being named the winner of a national competition to land £10,000 of festive lights.

The town centre has won the lights and a musical performance for the switch on event, in a contest organised by Revive and Thrive.

Prescot Business Club entered the competition on behalf of the town centre, with a short video which focused on the fascinating history and heritage of the town.

The shortlisted locations included ten other places; Cambridge, Chippenham, Grimsby, Kidsgrove, Northam, Putney, Soho Road, Swaffham and Willesden Green but on September 5 it was announced that Prescot stood out from the crowd and was named the winner.

Louise Gillespie, from Jessie and Co, said: “We are so happy with this news, it really is amazing for Prescot. We were up against some tough competition but our business community is so passionate about our town and I think this really came across in our entry and was recognised by the judges.

“I’m looking forward to working with Blachere to create something really special for Prescot and to help make it an extra magical Christmas for the town.”

Cllr Graham Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council, said: “This is fantastic news for Prescot! I am thrilled that our local businesses have worked together to represent the town and to show how special Prescot is. This is a great example of how the local community can really pull together to achieve such a positive result.

“We have so many great things already happening in the town and come Christmas time, Prescot will really shine.”

Ronnie Brown, managing director of Blachere Illumination Ltd, said: “Once again the judging of this competition was difficult with so many great videos and the passion shown by the presenters.

"Prescot are worthy winners of the £10,000 worth of Christmas lights plus the Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons tribute band, The Jerseys for their switch on.”

The prize includes £10,000 worth of Christmas lights for Prescot town centre, supplied by Blachere Illuminations, Christmas light specialists, plus a musical performance from The Jerseys at the Christmas light switch on event.