CATRINE Community Council have been working hard to Make Catrine Sparkle this Christmas.

They are staging a succession of events throughout the village this month starting with the Christmas Lights switch on this Sunday, December 3.

In collaboration with Catrine Community Trust - who recieved a grant of over £7,000 from the Big Lottery Fund to help make the events possible - and Catrine Community Action Plan Group, the community council are aiming to make this year the brightest yet.

The big switch on will get under way following the village’s first lantern parade which leaves the greenspace next to the shops on Sorn Street at 4pm.

Homemade lanterns will light up the streets of the town with music provided by Catrin Primary Christmas choir among others.

A spokesperson for Catrine Community Council said: “The event will kick off with the village’s very first lantern parade funded by the Big Lottery leaving at 4.30pm at the greenspace next to the shops at Sorn Street, Catrine to the sounds of Maybole Pipe Band.

“Those who made lanterns for the parade will collect them at the above location from 4pm onwards.

“The villagers and visitors will carry their handmade lanterns through the village towards Mill Square where they will be greeted by The Salvation Army Band and Catrine Primary School Christmas Choir.

“Attendees will then make their way at 6pm to the AM Brown Institute to see the Winter Wonderland where the visitors can help the elves in Santa’s Workshop and carry out some Christmas shopping at the Christmas Bazaar.

“We have been told a very special guest will be arriving from the North Pole and you can come and meet him with your Christmas Wishes in his Grotto.

“Please join the community of Catrine for a wonderful evening of festive fun.

“Everyone is welcome.

“Make Catrine Sparkle would like to thank The Big Lottery, East Ayrshire Council and the Minerals Trust along with the generosity of the community for the funding of this Christmas Extravaganza.”

Events will continue for the next 12 days with the celebrations culminating in the Community Pantomime on December 16.

Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley MSP Jeane Freeman congratulated the trust on their successful lottery funding application.

The SNP MSP added: “This is excellent news for Catrine Community Trust who have fantastic festive plans.

“Once again I’m grateful to the National Lottery for their support which continues to benefit many of my constituents in Cumnock and Doon Valley.”