ILFRACOMBE'S High Street Traders are clamping down on unauthorised street sellers at this year's lighting of the Christmas lights.

The event, which takes place on November 30, has traditionally been plagued by unlicensed traders selling glow sticks, balloons and children's toys.

However, this year street sellers will be confronted by members of the Ilfracombe High Street Traders' group and asked to cough up.

Mark Goodenough of the High Street Traders' group said: "We are going to ask these sellers for a donation towards the event.

"If they refuse we will tell them to move on and we may even sell our own products at half the price to discourage them."

Dave Williams, chairman of the High Street Traders, said: "This event is put on by volunteers for the good of the town so it's only fair these street sellers contribute to the hard work."

Dave, who is in his first year of chairing the High Street Traders, is hoping this year's lighting of the lights will be the biggest and best yet.

He said: "It's a great event for Ilfracombe and I'd like to see it grow year on year.

"We are in the process of talking to some famous faces about switching on the lights but we can't reveal any names yet."

The Christmas lights will be switched on at the War Memorial gardens at 7pm and followed by a fireworks display.

At 6pm the traditional lantern parade will set off from Oxford Grove, led by the Ilfracombe TLC Santa's Sleigh.

The cast of the local production of Robin Hood will be on hand to perform songs and dance routines from the musical which has been written by local thespian Lee Baxendale.

Ilfracombe's Indoor Market will open for the evening and there will be performances from local school choirs, the Ilfracombe Twirlers and the Ilfracombe Town Majorettes.

The High Street will be closed off for the evening with charity stalls and food and drink purveyors selling everything from burgers to non-alcoholic mulled wine.

Anyone wishing to host a stall in the High Street can call Mark Goodenough on 01271 867655.