THOUSANDS of people attended tonight's Christmas lights switch-on in Grimsby town centre.
They watched two-year-old Harvey Evans, of Grimsby, do the honours at The Big Christmas Event.
He was chosen for the role after being voted the Grimsby Telegraph's Local Hero 2013.
Harvey, who had to have his kidney removed after being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, was given the all-clear by medics just days ago.
The tot was accompanied by his five-year-old brother, Ethan, and the Mayor of North East Lincolnshire, Councillor Peggy Elliott.
He said: "I like the reindeers."
Dad Alex said: "It's such a special event and we'd like to say thank-you to everyone who voted for him – it has made his year, the icing on the cake."
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The fun began at 3pm, with stalls, street entertainers, a lantern parade through Abbeygate, and appearances from Peppa Pig and Santa himself.
It coincided with the beginning of late-night shopping on Thursday nights in Freshney Place.
The Big Christmas Event will continue tomorrow on Friday, from 10am to 4pm, with the food and gift stalls open once again, a competition to win £500 and street entertainment, including a balloon elf.
There will be free parking at Freshney Place and in Abbey Walk Car Park from 6pm to 9pm, which normally closes at 6pm, every Thursday between now and Christmas.
Stagecoach will also be running free bus services from 4pm to 8.45pm throughout the festive period to coincide with late-night shopping in Grimsby town centre.
See your Grimsby Telegraph tomorrow for pictures and more coverage. -->
