PEOPLE in Tarbolton are preparing for a festive extravaganza as they get ready for the village community council's first-ever Christmas lights display.

Taking place on Friday, December 1 from 4.30pm, the event will take place at the Erskine Hall and the car park area behind the SPAR store, with the highlight being the grand switching-on at 5pm.

To ensure a seamless experience for attendees, Tarbolton Community Council (TCC), which is organising the display and the event, are asking drivers not to park behind the SPAR store.

Parking will be available at nearby Tarbolton Primary, and the community council is asking drivers to watch out for children on the road.

Adding to the festive cheer, the much-loved Mr and Mrs Claus will be making a special appearance to illuminate Tarbolton with the warm glow of Christmas lights, along with South Ayrshire's Provost, Iain Campbell.

Read More: Ultra-fast broadband 'coming soon' to South Ayrshire's most rural areas

Food and drink will be available at the Erskine Hall in the village courtesy of Tarbolton Parish Church, while Joanna's Fish and Chips will also be there.

Matthew McColm, TCC's communication, events and volunteer co-ordinator, said: "We have never had Christmas lights and our team have worked exceptionally hard to make this happen.

"It is great to see that after all this hard work we are finally seeing the results.

"As a community council we want nothing more than to make the village a better place and help bring people together.

"It is unfortunate that we don’t receive enough support from South Ayrshire Council, but it is brilliant to see that we are finally getting to experience the fruits of our labour.

"The Tarbolton community extends heartfelt thanks to key sponsors, including The National Lottery Community Fund, Centregreat, and Hayhill Developments."

For event details and updates, please visit Tarbolton Community Council's Christmas Page.