Around 20,000 people are to take to the streets of the Scottish capital next month to see Olympic gold medallist Callum Skinner switch on the city's Christmas lights.

The free Light Night event will include performances by the Edinburgh Festival Chorus, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra Junior Chorus, Tigerstyle and other Edinburgh bands, on Sunday November 20.

Cyclist Callum Skinner, 23, who was born in Glasgow but moved to Edinburgh when he was 12, came back from Brazil with gold and silver.

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He nominated the Jabulani Project, which seeks to empower individuals and communities in South Africa through financial support, training and volunteer work supporting access to education and safe housing, as his chosen charity.

Donald Wilson, Lord Provost of Edinburgh, said: “Who better to switch on Edinburgh’s Christmas lights than Callum Skinner?

"He’s had a phenomenal year winning gold and silver medals in the Olympic Games and has done his former school James Gillespies proud."

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This year Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations expand into the West End for the first time to transform the city centre, stretching from Festival Square in the West End to George Street, St Andrew Square in the East End and of course East Princes Street Gardens.