ARTISTIC schoolchildren have been getting into the spirit of Christmas by designing posters for an annual competition.

Preparations for Woodley's festive celebrations are in full swing and the children's creations will now be used to help spread the word for upcoming events.

The popular Christmas Extravaganza will return to the town centre on Sunday, December 2 and will feature live entertainment and activities for all the family to enjoy.

In addition, residents can expect a host of treats on November 24 at the official Christmas lights switch-on event.

Ahead of these two events, Woodley Town Council invited children from local schools to design creative posters to publicise the extravaganza.

Last year, posters created by the children were used to circulate more than 15,000 leaflets to households in Woodley and Earley about the festive schedule of events.

Jacques Lherbier, town centre manager, said: "This will be my 11th extravaganza and for the first time it will be near the centre stage.

"In the last couple of years, we have had a couple of thousand people and this year we will have much more space.

"I am very much looking forward to all the Christmas events we have planned. It is always very family-orientated."

Roxanne Allen, Sasha Tarvin, Haleema Saeed and Yvie Hardy were chosen from dozens of entries.

The overall winner, Roxanne, who attends St Dominic Savio Primary School, will be invited to turn on the Christmas lights.

This year, the light switch-on will take place at 4.30pm, with the Tree of Light from Woodley & Earley Lions Club.

Guests can enjoy mince pies and mulled wine, while Woodley Concert Band and the Reading Operatic Society provide festive entertainment.

The following weekend, the fun continues at the 22nd Christmas Extravaganza.

The event will start at 10am, with a selection of craft and trade stalls selling festive treats.

Younger visitors will have a chance to see Father Christmas from 11.30am, while Bulmershe School and Waingels College will be performing in the afternoon.

Woodley Library will be hosting Sand Art sessions from 10.30am to 1pm for children aged four to 11.