One of Wiltshire’s most famous sons returned on Sunday to switch on Swindon’s Christmas lights - and he praised the town while doing so.

Duncan James, of British pop band Blue, was back in the county to help kick off the festivities in Old Town at the weekend.

“I was born in Salisbury just down the road so Wiltshire is a very special part of me,” he said while on the stage.

“I love coming over here and I love Swindon, so thank you so much for having me.”

Mr James took to the stage to perform a trio of songs before helping push down the lever alongside several guests and Santa Claus himself to illuminate Victoria Road.

Alongside singing Blue hits ‘Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word’ and ‘One Love’, the celebrity also offered his take on Tom Jones’ ‘Delilah’.

READ MORE: Blue's Duncan James back in Swindon to turn on Christmas lights

The pop singer’s family also have strong connections to the town as his great grandfather was the famous football manager Herbert Chapman, who actually played for Swindon Town.

Chapman made appearances several appearances for the Robins at the end of the 19th century before managing the likes of Leeds United and Arsenal.

Mr James’s footballing relative’s impact on the game was so profound that he even has a statue outside of Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium.