THE great-grandson of one of the nation’s most famous authors will help celebrate the festive season in Didcot this Christmas.

Gerald Dickens, the great-grandson of Charles Dickens, will attend the 16th annual Christmas Street Fair on Thursday, November 26.

The theme for this year’s event is a Dickens of a Christmas, celebrating the works of the author, whose novels include Oliver Twist, A Christmas Carol and Great Expectations.

Organisers need to raise £15,000 to make sure the night goes off with a bang and they are urging businesses to come forward and become sponsors.

Committee chairman Jeanette Howse said: “The event is run to benefit the businesses and community of Didcot and has become a hugely successful event for Didcot.

“The Broadway is closed to traffic from Haydon Road to High Street, including the Broadway entrance to the Orchard Centre.

“Each year brings new opportunities as our town grows and now includes the Orchard Centre, Cineworld and this year the new arts centre, Cornerstone.”

She added: “We are determined that Didcot’s Christmas Street Fair will not be a victim of the current economic climate and with your help it will go ahead.

“A general donation will be very welcome if you are unable to commit to being a full sponsor.”

Cheques should be made payable to Didcot Christmas Street Fair and sent to Jeanette Howse, Treetops, Ashfields Lane, East Hanney OX12 OHN.

Contact Mrs Howse for details about becoming a sponsor on 07771 967633.