SANTA is on the move as part of the shake-up of this year's Largs Yuletide celebrations.

Nardini's Restaurant will be hosting Father Christmas for the big shopping night on Wednesday December 5 - which is now under the umbrella of the Largs Events team.

Organisers say this year's event is set to be a spectacular affair - with a few surprises on the night also promised.

Councillor Ian Murdoch said: "Largs Events is very much looking forward to organising Yuletide.

"And we would like to reach out to anybody who would like to perform on the night, be it singers, choirs, bands, orchestras or individuals, to contact us via the Largs Events Facebook page or get in touch with myself or Councillor Alan Hill.

"We are keen to make the event as diverse and attractive as possible and would also like to hear from anyone with ideas for street performances.

"We have a few things already lined up. Let's say we think people will find some interesting characters on the night around town.

"There will also be a proper Santa's sleigh for the Yuletide parade this year, which should be a real winner.

"We are hoping to announce something different every week from now until Christmas."

It is hoped that the new Gallowgate Square will be central to the celebrations, with funding already secured to deck it out in new Christmas lights.

Preparations are already underway, with some of the Christmas decorations already being set up on Largs' Main Street.

Councillor Murdoch added: "We are hoping to have some special surprises on the night, but there won't be any fireworks this year.

"The only street which will be closed will be Tron Place and the starlight stage will be there.

"This will give us a larger audience area and perhaps space for something else to be staged there.

"We also have all the traditional stalls such as those run by Largs Rotary and Largs Thistle and people can look forward to a traditional Yuletide shopping experience.

"Anyone who wants a community stall can get in touch, while any churches or youth groups we would also be delighted to accommodate."