WHEN it comes to Christmas light switch ons, it’s often pop stars, sports heroes or X Factor singers who get the call.

But tonight one community is turning to their own little marvel as a VIP to create some festive sparkle.

Courageous cancer battler Harrison Ledsham will have the honour of switching on the lights on his home patch of Haydock.

The twelve-year-old will be among guests gathering at Haydock Library.

Pride of St Helens award nominee Harrison, who was last week named Pride Merseyside’s Child of Courage by the Liverpool Echo, was diagnosed with bone cancer in the spring of this year.

He subsequently had a leg amputated after being diagnosed with a tumour above his left knee.

The former Legh Vale Primary School pupil is receiving regular doses of chemotherapy but Harrison is determined not to let the illness get the better of him. A couple of months ago, the Blackbrook Royals junior rugby league player, had a prosthetic leg fitted and is determined to regain his independence once again.

And his family have embarked on a fundraising campaign to help raise the money needed for a new higher quality leg which will help him become active again.

His new school, Haydock High, held a fundraising day which saw pupils allowed to bring a hat to school and also Blackbrook rugby club will also present a donation on December 7. His drive an determination has won admiration of the Saints squad and triple amputee ex-soldier Andy Reid.

“He’s doing really well with the leg he had put in,” says dad Paul, 46.

“He has got his crutches at the moment and we are hoping to progress to where he uses a walking stick and then on to walking on his own.

"He’s made up about doing the Christmas lights.”

The event takes place from 6pm to 8pm at the Church Road venue.

Also present will be mayor Councillor Geoff Pearl, Saints mascot Boots, and entertainment from the Valley Brass Band, tenor Tom Loughlin, Sarah Dover and Liverpool band The Ambition.

School choirs from Haydock English Martyrs and St James’ will be performing with appearances from Father Christmas, Haydock Craft Ladies, Haydock and Ashton Rotary Club.

For a list of community Christmas light switch ons visit sthelensstar.co.uk.