Children in Whaley Bridge have been preparing a surprise for Santa Claus, who arrives this Friday night (Friday, 28 Nov) by narrowboat at the Canal Basin for the Christmas lights switch-on.

For the last few weeks, they have been making lanterns of all shapes and sizes, with the help of mums and dads. One dad, Lucas Jones, helped his daughters Eve, 9, and Lily, 7, along with their friend Jessica, 8, to construct a giant star (see picture). They held it up triumphantly, the tissue paper over the cane frame still wet from layers of glue.

On Friday night, they will spring their starry surprise on Santa. The children will walk in procession with their lanterns lit, starting at 5.15pm from Old Road outside Nimbus Antiques, and then going down the Whaley Incline. This is the former Cromford and High Peak railway line, now a walkway between Old Road, near the Shepherd’s Inn, with the Canal Basin.

Santa arrives at 6pm, then walks to his grotto in Footsteps drop in centre. The Christmas tree lights, in the Jodrell car park, will be switched on at 7pm. Carol singing by the crowd will be accompanied by Whaley Bridge Band.