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Christmas lights introduced for the first time on Moston Lane last year will be extended and the Christmas tree will be placed on the refurbished island outside St Dunstan's church.

The listed church will be floodlit during the festive season and there are plans to have the crib placed alongside the tree on the island when the lights go on December 9.

A parade of floats is being planned by MANCAT students and Moston Lane will be closed to traffic during the afternoon to allow the expected crowds to spill onto the street.

There will also be a carol service involving all religious denominations and local schools.

Councillor Bill Risby, who has been working with Moston Lane traders and local clergy in planning the event, hopes the whole community will take part.

He said: "The Ben Brierley Island, Simpson Memorial Hall and the Peace Garden are all being upgraded and the work should be completed in time for Christmas.

"Father Michael at St Dunstan's Church will be very much involved and he is delighted the church will be floodlit. I'm pressing for this to be made a permanent feature.

"The traders have been consulted and they are very enthusiastic about closing the road for the afternoon and there's even talk of trying to organise a craft market for the day. If it all comes off, it should be a fantastic day."