Businesses around Deal and Walmer will each be given a free Christmas tree to bring festive cheer to the town.

The decorations, which usually cost up to £20 each, will be gifted to 120 properties by Deal and Walmer Chamber of Trade.

They will adorn the front of properties from Friday, November 27 when the town's lights are officially switched on.

The gesture comes in response to the Covid-19 pandemic which has seen businesses nationwide struggle to stay afloat.

It also sends a message to the community to support local when buying gifts this Christmas.

Secretary Peter Davies said: "Businesses are finding it hard to get by and we want to show our support to them.

"We want to keep the sparkle in Deal and we feel the trees are a tradition, and always a major highlight of the town's display.

"The message to the community is that Deal is open for business at Christmas.

"Please try Deal before you try outside of town; support local jobs and the local economy."

The trees will not only be awarded to Chamber members but those who have supported the Christmas tree scheme in previous years.

Unfortunately, no more than 120 can be provided due to volunteer numbers and restrictions.

It will be paid for out of the Chamber pot, with some extra funding given by Deal Town Council. An amount is yet to be decided.

This year's Christmas light switch-on will be held virtually via a live stream on: dwchamber.co.uk

Mystery local heroes have been chosen to do the honour which will take place between 7pm until 7.30pm.

There will also be singalongs for all the family, an appearance from Father Christmas and interviews with shop owners.

In preparation, the lights will be put up around the town on Sunday, November 8 with trees going up the following weekend.

Mr Davies said this will be done in a "safe way, with people wearing face shields" by kind volunteers from Deal Rowing Club.

Read more: All the latest news from Deal