Design guru starts work on lights

The illuminations will be positioned next to Blackpool Tower

Style guru Lawrence Llewelyn-Bowen is to visit Blackpool to discuss plans to design a section of the resort's illuminations this year.

The flamboyant designer, known for his avant-garde creations, will meet with the illuminations' team on Friday.

This is the first time that a famous designer has been invited to help create the town's illuminations.

Mr Llewelyn-Bowen's lights will be positioned in the heart of the seaside resort, next to Blackpool Tower.

He is donating his £3,000 fee to the Blackpool branch of the NSPCC.

Mr Llewelyn-Bowen said: "I'm delighted to have been asked to provide designs for the illuminations.

"I'm totally seduced by Blackpool's high-kicking glamour and historical reputation for giddy glitz and can't wait to get started."