Geldof pulls out of Xmas lights event

Bob Geldof will be unable to turn on the Christmas lights in a seaside town as planned due to other commitments, it was announced today.

The musician turned poverty campaigner had been invited to do the honours in Margate, Kent, next week but has been forced to pull out.

A statement released by his spokesman said: "Sir Bob has been informed that he must attend a political arrangement in Doha on November 29."

He added that Geldof was very disappointed not to be able to attend the event although a recorded message from him will be played on the evening.

The town's mayor, Brian Sullivan said: "We are all, of course, very sorry that Sir Bob is unable to join us, but let's not forget that the event is about Margate, the town and the people, and the new lights will still be switched on with all of the activities."

Geldof, who has a home in nearby Faversham, upset Margate residents earlier this year by referring to the seaside town's "ugliness" in an interview with a local newspaper.

The Christmas lights will now be switched on by The X Factor contestant Ben Mills and London's Burning actor Mark Arden.