Christmas lights switch-on postponed over weather

The event was due to take place in Bedford on Saturday

A council has rescheduled its Christmas lights switch-on event due to concerns about the weather.

Bedford Borough Council said the town's festivities would now be held from 10:00 GMT on Saturday, 30 November - a week later than originally planned.

Storm Bert, the second named storm of the season, is set to bring snow, rain and strong winds to parts of the UK at the weekend.

Conservative mayor, Tom Wootton, said the council was "incredibly disappointed" at the postponement but the safety of those in attendance had to be prioritised.

"Given the current weather forecast, it would be irresponsible to proceed with an outdoor event that could potentially be unsafe," he added.

The council said it understood some families might find the news "upsetting" but added: "Christmas will still shine bright in Bedford".