YOUNGSTERS from The Croft Primary School will enjoy some time in the spotlight when they help to switch on Old Town’s Christmas lights on Sunday.

Head boy Rori Brown and head girl Amber Mason have been picked to bring some festive cheer to the area by pressing a button they designed and made themselves in front of an expected crowd of 4,000 people.

Principal Elaine Murphy said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for our choir to perform in front of a  huge audience, as well as having the honour of turning the lights on. It really was a special surprise when I received the invite.

“Christmas is a great time of year at our school as we look forward to performing our carol concerts, nativities,  and reception festive performances.

“We will talk to the children about the spirit of Christmas and look beyond the surface of presents, food and baubles.”

The school choir will kick off celebrations at noon then return to the stage to help with the big switch-on at 5pm.

This year’s event is themed around ‘being inspired’.

Former solider Corie Mapp, who lost both of his legs in at IED blast while serving in Afghanistan, will take to the stage.

He is a gold medal winning GB athlete in para-bobsleigh and has competed in two Invictus Games.

Tabitha Green, a deaf 10-year-old with autism, will help turn on the lights alongside 14-year-old Victoria Brown, who has just finished two-and-a-half years of treatment for leukaemia.

Events co-organiser James Marshman said: “Old Town is all about community spirit and so to turn on our lights we want people to be inspired by our stars who achieve tremendous amounts despite their own challenges.

“We are really excited to have Tabitha, Victoria and Corie with us and I hope that Swindon residents will come up to see Old Town in all its glory.”

The Voice Kids star Phoebe Maddison, Swindon duo Billie and Louie, singer songwriter Jordan Marvell, and dancers from Wilkes Academy will perform live at the free-to-enter event.

Food stalls, licensed bars and fun children’s activities including Santa’s grotto will fill Wood Street and Joiner Lane throughout the afternoon to create a street party vibe that everyone can enjoy.