A Hollywood movie star will be switching on the Christmas lights in a South West city thanks to the persuasive efforts his local paper.

The Bath Chronicle says it has helped line up Nicholas Cage to light up the city on 26 November and signal the opening of the Christmas market.

A little old-fashioned journalism was required to get the ball rolling after one of the Chronicle’s commercial staff slipped a note through the actor’s door.

Chronicle editor Sam Holliday said: “We’re delighted we’ve been able to help secure someone of Nicolas Cage’s status for such a key event.

“Bath is a city of stars and we’re proud to have played our part in sprinkling a little stardust this Christmas.”

The 45-year-old has owned properties in the Bath area for the past three years including a castle and townhouse.

The Northcliffe weekly teamed up with a member of Mr Cage’s UK management team, the local council and city centre management partnership to land the coup.

Chronicle commercial videographer Emma Samways is involved in events organisation for the paper and its website and started the process by putting the note through his door.

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.”