Sandwell is to get over half-a-million pounds of Christmas lights as part of a new four year plan.

The new contract for an external supplier will now be put out to tender as the local authority tries to brighten the area up during festive periods.

A supplier will have to provide around 400 small column-mounted displays around the borough, as well as other displays in Blackheath, Old Hill and outside the council house in Oldbury.

It also includes new lights for the Mary McArthur Memorial Gardens in Cradley Heath.