LONGRIDGE’S newest ‘little celebrity’ will get to ride with Father Christmas and help switch on the town’s Christmas lights tonight.

Four-year-old Wilfray Ford, of Berry Lane, is known as Wilf and has suffered from severe eczema and asthma since he was 18 months old and will be given the honour of switching on the lights as part of an evening of entertainment.

MORE TOP STORIES:

Wilf will be picked up by Father Christmas on a festive rig and driven through the town to the light switch on where he will help the mayor of Longridge, Sarah Rainford brighten up the town.

Sarah Scott, 28, Wilf’s mum said she was ‘delighted’ that her son will get to take part tonight.

She said: “Wilf has become a little celebrity in the town now. Everyone knows who he is and everyone gives an incredible amount of support to him.

“I was delighted that he was asked to take a trip with Santa. He loves Christmas and with him being so much better he will be able to enjoy it fully like any other four-year-old.”

After thousands of pounds being raised through endless campaigning and donations, Wilf managed to receive his first of three treatments at the Hydrotherapy Centre in Avene France.

His condition improved massively and the youngster is now attending full days at school.

The switch-on is being organised by two Longridge businesses owners, Sharon Loving of The Ginger Baker in Berry Lane and Emma Baines of Belmont Garage.

Mrs Loving, 43, said she picked Wilf because he deserves a reward for his bravery in France. She said: “We wanted to pick Wilf because of such an amazing journey he’s been on this year. We decided he should get to ride with Santa as a treat and to help promote his campaign further as he still needs donations for the next set of treatment.”

All the shops in the town centre will be opening late tonight with different areas of entertainment and businesses putting on hot food, sweets and mulled wine. The Christmas festival will take place from tonight to 4pm on Sunday.