Looe is bracing itself for an influx of thousands of visitors when the Coca-Cola Christmas Truck parks up in the town next week.

The port – the smallest destination ever to be visited by the hugely-popular truck – is expected to be bursting at the seams on Monday.

Special park and ride schemes will be in place and dozens of volunteers have come forward from the town and neighbouring Liskeard to help as marshals.

Looe Tourist Information Centre manager Mark Camp said: 'We have been getting lots of enquiries, especially from coach companies from all over Cornwall and Devon, asking about parking. This is the biggest national-type event to come to Looe in decades.'

Traders are hoping the festive truck's visit will prompt a bonanza in the shops and cafes.

Purely Cornish managing director Alison Martin said: 'This has been the talk of the town for some time and it is having a sparkling and exciting effect everywhere.

'The event will bring in visitors who have never been to Looe before. We will be offering free tastings of hot mulled wine from Cornish Orchards to help with the festive spirit.'

Along the quayside, Simply Fish will be producing special pulled pork marinated in Coca-Cola in honour of the occasion. Town mayor David Bryan said: 'It will be an unforgettable event to see the Coca-Cola truck all lit up on the harbour in Looe.'

The enormous truck will be on Buller Quay between noon and 8pm.