Hollywood star Nicolas Cage is to turn on Bath's Christmas lights this year.

The Oscar-winning actor is said to be "privileged and excited" to have been asked to switch on the festive illuminations.

He will be flicking the switch on Thursday November 26 at an event which will also signal the launch of the city's Christmas Market.

The Bath Chronicle has worked with the star's UK estate manager Rod Findlay, Bath and North East Somerset Council and the Bath City Centre Management Partnership Board to secure his appearance at this year's event.

Mr Findlay assists the star on his visits to Britain and said Cage- who has two homes in the area - loved Bath and thought it a beautiful city.

He said: "He would like to spend more time here but his film commitments don't always allow that.

"He takes every opportunity to visit and stay in Bath."

The Chronicle's commercial videographer Emma Samways was instrumental in the negotiations - starting the process by simply putting a note through the door of his home at The Circus.

She said she was excited that the City of Angels star had agreed to do the honours.

She said: "I asked around the office for the names of famous people from Bath and Nicolas Cage's name came up so I decided to contact his management company.

"He was our dream choice to turn on the lights.

"This is pretty special and he's a pretty cool guy.

"His management company were really helpful and approachable."

Cage has owned property in and around Bath for the last three years including Midford Castle at Midford and the house at The Circus.

His most recent film Knowing topped the box office lists in the UK and the USA and he is currently doing promotional work in America ahead of the release of animated movie Astro Boy later this year.

Mr Findlay said the 45-year-old star wanted to make the West Country and, in particular Bath, his home when he was in the UK.

He said: "He is in the country on a regular basis and at least once before November."

Bath city centre manager Andrew Cooper said: "We are extremely pleased that Mr Cage is able to support the Christmas lights switch-on event.

"Christmas is a key time for retailers and having a vibrant switch-on event will play an important role in marking the start of Bath's late night Christmas shopping.

"Our thanks go to Emma Samways from The Bath Chronicle for making this happen and to the City Centre Management Marketing Group who are supporting the council in running this year's event."

Council chairman Cllr Bryan Chalker said he was delighted with the big name lined up.

He said: "This event is an important date in the area's Christmas calendar and everyone will be pleased to see a celebrity there this year.

"I look forward to meeting Nicolas and am very grateful to him for giving his time for the local community."