ARRIVING on a sleigh pulled by reindeers, two-year-old Harvey Evans was the centre of attention at last night's Christmas lights switch-on.
Harvey was accompanied by his five-year-old brother, Ethan, and the Mayor of North East Lincolnshire, Councillor Peggy Elliott.
He did the honours by flipping the switch on the Christmas tree in the Bullring at The Big Christmas Event, 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.
Switching on the Christmas lights in Grimsby last night, which marked the start of late-night shopping and festive entertainment in the town centre, the tot said: "I like the reindeers. I waved to the people when I was on the sleigh."
Dad Alex, from Grimsby, said: "It's been brilliant seeing Harvey and Ethan on the sleigh and being on the big stage to see Harvey switching on the lights.
"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.
"We are all looking forward to Christmas. We are going to have a big family party and Harvey has asked for a talking giant dinosaur from Santa."
Councillor Elliott said: "Harvey is a fabulous, brave boy and it's nice to hear that he's getting better.
Pictures: Big Christmas Event 2013 in Grimsby
"He has had a rough time.
"The festivities are bigger and better this year, and it's nice to see such a big turn-out."
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 today 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.
The Big Christmas Event is brought to you by the Grimsby Telegraph, North East Lincolnshire Council, Lincs FM, Compass FM, Freshney Place, Grimsby In Bloom and the Culturehouse.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter