A WILTSHIRE-born bobsled champ will switch on the Old Town Christmas lights.

Three-time Olympian Shelley Rudman will take to the stage at the glittering event later this month.

It will be something of a homecoming for Pewsey-based Shelley, who attended New College and honed her running skills on the Swindon cross-country circuit.

Shelley, who claimed a silver medal in the 2006 Winter Olympic Games skeleton bobsled category, will be joined by a stage-full of performers for the Christmas light switch-on.

Dancers from Swindon’s Wilkes Academy of Performing Arts will take to the stage, alongside Motown tribute trio Baby Love and local musicians Caitlin Bowles, Jim Blair and group Royal Soul.

Shelley, 36, said: ''I’m really looking forward to the event, as it means we can start getting into the festive spirit, which is a time of year I love.

The Old Town Christmas Lights will be a magical event for those young and old, with plenty of activities going on, so please come along and enjoy it with all the family.''

Alex Pollock of the Old Town Business Association said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have Shelley as part of this year’s Christmas Lights event.

“Alongside highlighting the diversity of our talented community, it’s always great to have a headliner who can be an inspiration to everyone in the audience, particular our next generation of superstars - of which there are many in Swindon.”

A Santa’s grotto will pop-up on Joiner Lane, while a festive-themed drinks area will appear on Wood Street.

The Old Town Christmas switch-on is on Sunday, November 26, from 1pm. For more, visit: www.facebook.com/events/1070561326414204.