Joanna Lumley is to switch on Brecon’s Christmas lights, the town council has announced.

The film and television star, who has a long association with the Gurkha regiment who have a company based in the town which is also home to many Nepalese families, will flick the switch at a special event in November.

Councillor Ann Mathias, of Brecon Town Council, said it was absolutely fabulous the actress, who made her name playing Purdey in 1970s spy drama The New Avengers, will be coming to Brecon.

Joanna said: "Brecon has always been such brave and generous hosts and defenders of their Gurkhas and Nepalese community, a ’Beacon’ indeed."

She was born in Kashmir, India, where her father was a major in the 6th Gurkha Rifles. She first came to fame in the 1960s as a model before moving on to have a distinguished career as an actress on both stage and screen.

She is probably best known for playing Patsy Stone in the BBC sitcom Absolutely Fabulous.

Cllr Mathias, who is the chair of the council’s environment committee, said: "I am thrilled that Joanna Lumley has kindly agreed to come and support us. She is fully aware of the strong links the town has with the Nepalese community. We, as a council, are encouraging everybody in Brecon to come together for this fantastic day."

The lights will be switched on as part of the ’Brecon with Bells On’ Christmas market that will take place in the town centre, from 12 noon, on Saturday, November 18.

The event will feature stalls and entertainment in the town centre with the lights switched on at 6pm.