ALTON’S festive skiing marmots Marmite and Méribel have caused quite a stir over the past three Christmases.

First introduced outside the Assembly Rooms by Alton Town Council in 2019 to bring publicity and people into the town, as well as some light-hearted cheer, the giant illuminated rodents have divided opinion – loved by some and... less so by others.

But now the town council has confirmed their time in Alton has come to an end, and they will be migrating from Alton to bring joy and selfie opportunities to residents of another town next Christmas.

So for this year’s festive season, the council is asking the residents of Alton to design their own seasonal lights so the town can have its own unique community Christmas light scheme in the town centre.

It may only be spring, but the town council has set a deadline of June 15 for submissions to give it time to pick the winning designs and produce the new decorations in time for the light switch-on in November.

A council spokesman said: “We are reaching out to creative and imaginative Altonians to design new column lights for Alton High Street.

“All ages welcome – not just children. Submit your entry an an A4 piece of paper, portrait or landscape. To enter, email [email protected] or call 01420 83986.”