OLYMPIC champion Nick Skelton will officially open Alcester's annual St Nicholas Night celebrations.

58-year-old Skelton, who secured his golden win on Big Star in the individual showjumping event and became Britain’s oldest Olympic champion since 1908, will open the event held in High Street on Tuesday, December 6.

The annual celebrations include a firework display, a traditional market selling food and gifts, a Santa's grotto, children's rides, musical entertainment and a church service.

Following tradition, a boy Bishop of Alcester has been appointed to represent St Nicholas as part of the celebrations.

Jack Harrison, aged 10, a pupil at St Nicholas' CE Primary School, is set to take up this role.

He will be assisted by three attendants Charlotte O'Donnell, Hannah Leake and Skye Dewhirst, all also aged 10.

A parade featuring the boy bishop, vintage vehicles and town organisations will be held at 7pm and the lighting of the church and tree will take place at 7.30pm.

The event will reach its climax with a fireworks extravaganza at 8.30pm followed by a short service at St Nicholas' Church at 9pm.