The illuminations will be positioned next to Blackpool Tower

The top interior designer is to create a range of lights which will be used along a stretch of the six-mile promenade next autumn.

His creations will be positioned in the heart of the seaside resort, next to Blackpool Tower.

This will be the first time that a famous designer has been invited to help create the town's illuminations.

Mr Llewelyn-Bowen said: "I'm delighted to have been asked to provide designs for the illuminations.

"I'm totally seduced by Blackpool's high-kicking glamour and historical reputation for giddy glitz and can't wait to get started."

Ideas for the designer lights will be formulated in the new year

"For me, as a designer, this is, I suppose, the ultimate in seeing my name, or at least my design, up in lights."

Early in the New Year he will start to formalise the design process by working alongside Blackpool's Illuminations in-house team to bring his ideas to fruition ready for the big switch on in August.

Councillor Eddie Collett said: "The council is absolutely thrilled and delighted that a designer of Laurence's calibre has agreed to contribute to Blackpool's Illuminations.

"They are the lifeblood of the resort and each year we put on a fabulous show thanks to a team of dedicated craftspeople.