Jean Alexander, who played Hilda Ogden in Coronation Street and currently stars as Auntie Wainwright in the BBC's Last Of The Summer Wine, will perform the switch-on ceremony on December 6 between 4 and 5pm.

It's only the second year Burn has had its own Christmas illuminations, which consist of just ten lamp-post-mounted lights.

But despite the small scale of the event, Jean (below) accepted the invitation because she's fond of Burn, a village she knows well.

She said: "I know it's not Blackpool illuminations or Oxford Street, but I applaud the village for its efforts.

"I have family in Burn who I visit regularly, and I've grown to like the village."

Jean was voted the 'Greatest Soap Opera Star of All Time' in a TV Times poll. Her final scenes in Coronation Street were aired on Christmas Day in 1987, attracting more than 20 million viewers.

Phil Storr, who will be master of ceremonies at the event, said: "We're very fortunate to have someone as famous as Hilda Ogden to switch on the lights in such a small village."

Burn got its first Christmas lights last year after local businessman Phil came up with the idea. His events safety company – MRL Limited – bought the first ten lights, costing almost £2,000, and the parish council, with help from residents and local businesses, paid to have them erected. The installation of this year's lights has been sponsored by Eggborough Power Station.

Further lights were supplied for Burn's memorial green by village resident Jean Gratton, who raised £1,000 in a giant raffle, with part of the proceeds also going to Burn Chapel.

Selby Scouts and Guides Band will be playing Christmas carols throughout the switch-on. A free buffet provided by The Wheatsheaf Inn landlord Andy Howdall and partner Jo Mosey, sponsors of this year's Christmas village tree, will be available after the ceremony.