PREPARATIONS for Christmas are already under way in Ramsbottom.

With Easter out of the way, thoughts are already turning to December - and in particular how to make Ramsbottom's Christmas markets more "Christmassy" this year.

The town's business forum and new marketing group have already held a brainstorming session in a bid to generate ideas on how to create more festive magic.

Gina Ball, owner of Memories Antiques and the business representative on the Ramsbottom Local Area Partnership, said: "Of course it is a long way off to Christmas but we have to start planning now because we really want to resurrect the Christmas markets in Ramsbottom this year.

"Two years ago the markets were cancelled altogether. There were markets this Christmas but many people were very disappointed with the lack of atmosphere. They just didn't feel particularly Christmasy."

To improve the situation this year, members of the business forum want to bring the Christmas markets back to Bridge Street. Last Christmas they were relegated to car parks in Back Bridge Street. Other ideas are to improve the Christmas lights and to hire carol singers to provide festive entertainment.

Bury Council's town centres co-ordinator Liz Gillan said: "The Christmas markets have a strong tradition in Ramsbottom and give us one of the biggest opportunities of the year to attract people to the town. We want to get it right so we're starting to think about it early this year."

The business forum's newly-formed marketing group has also come up with ideas to help promote Ramsbottom in the more immediate future. One project is a town centre guide to be published by Bury Council. It will include a map of the town centre and adverts for businesses.

Liz Gillan said: "We already have a promotional guide for Bury town centre and it does help to let people know just what's on offer.

"Ramsbottom has a lot to offer but people don't necessarily know it.

"Many people would not think to go clothes shopping in Ramsbottom but there are actually quite a number of unique, classy shops."

A draft copy of the guide has been circulated among businesses. Letters offering advertising space will be sent out this month.