Christmas lights are set to shine in Bicester town centre for longer this year and will even stay on for some of the day.

Lighting-up times in the town have traditionally been between 3.30pm and 11pm. But for next Christmas and New Year the lights could have a 12-hour showing beginning at 10am.

Town councillor Carol Steward, chairman of the council's summer events and Christmas lights working party, said they would have a picturesque effect in the December gloom.

She said: "If we changed the times the lights were on shoppers and shopkeepers would benefit more.

"With the lights coming on at 3.30pm most people miss them as by that time many of the shoppers will have gone home. I know a lot of people do their shopping in the mornings."

The proposal has been welcomed by Bicester and District Chamber of Commerce.

The town council traditionally spends about £4,115 for the lights to go on and their installation.

Members of the working party will decide whether to increase the lighting hours after they have had a report on costs.