Hard-up Oxford City Council has been described as "Scrooge-like" after it was revealed no celebrities had been approached to switch on this year's Christmas lights.

A lavish event in Broad Street has been booked for Saturday's showcase event, but last night the council was accused of snubbing Christmas because of an absence of showbiz stars.

While neighbouring towns and cities boasted celebrity names to help to kick off the countdown to Christmas, Oxford's lights are to be turned on by Lord Mayor John Tanner.

The city has been put to shame by Banbury - which has Adam Woodyatt, otherwise known as EastEnders' Ian Beale - and Bicester which has Antony Hansen, finalist in the TV show Any Dream Will Do.

Former Oxford United star Peter Rhoades-Brown has been lined up in Abingdon, while Dancing on Ice and former England rugby star Kyran Bracken has been recruited to light up Swindon's festivities.

Soap stars Shaun and Maria from Coronation Street are set to turn on the Christmas lights in Reading, while in Northampton ex-EastEnder Sophie Lawrence - who is starring in pantomime as Peter Pan - has been lined up to do the honours.

Oxford's lights are to be turned on at 6pm in Broad Street.

Former Blackbird Leys Parish Council chairman Brian Lester said: "It's almost like they cannot be bothered or don't believe in Christmas. It's just pathetic.

"There used to be beautiful displays in the Town Hall windows, but that's all gone now.

"This is the city of Scrooges and it beggars belief they can't get their act together.

"Who wants to come and see Mr Tanner? I'm surprised Christmas hasn't been banned."

The city council said the event would cost £15,000 as part of the authority's "commitment to core event activities" and confirmed no celebrities had been approached to help - including former Blue Peter presenter Peter Duncan, who is directing the pantomime Aladdin at the Oxford Playhouse.

Oxford City Council spokesman Louisa Dean said: "With all the exciting activities planned on Saturday we don't feel a celebrity switch-on would add to this day of celebration."

Mr Tanner joked: "Why on earth do they need a celebrity when they have me?

"What is important is we have some good Christmas lights, which young and old can enjoy."