AN eight-year-old boy battling cerebral palsy is set to have some Christmas joy when he lights up the town.

Finley Ramsbottom, from Accrington, will be carrying out the town's festive switch-on at the festive event tomorrow. (Thursday).

He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was three months old and was told 'he may never walk or talk'.

Earlier this month Finley suffered a fall and has since been undergoing further tests, resulting in his dream Christmas trip to Disney World, Florida, being cancelled.

Mother Kelly Rosbotham said this has given Finley a boost after being upset following the cancellation of the holiday plans.

She said: "We were approached after Finley’s fall and he was asked help kick off the festive fun in Accrington, which has given him something special to look forward to again.”

Organised by Hyndburn Council, a variety of free entertainment will be on offer at the event which starts in Broadway at 5.15pm and features a fireworks display at 7.30pm.

Guest appearances will be from 2016 X-Factor stars, Ryan Lawrie and Sam Lavery and Accrington Stanley players.