A TEENAGER will take centre stage with a pop icon when Altrincham's Christmas lights are switched on on Saturday, November 19.

Louise Barber has been chosen to turn on this year’s Christmas lights at the big switch-on show with Key 103, after she bagged top prize in the town's Christmas Star competition.

Entrants to the competition had been asked to say why they love Altrincham, and Louise was entered by her foster mum Alex Cauchi, who explained: “Louise came to us five years ago and prior to that had never really had the chance to celebrate Christmas.

"She’s really thrived living with us in Altrincham - she loves going shopping in the town with her friends and using all the facilities that Altrincham has to offer her - swimming, ice skating and dance.

"She feels part of a community in a way she never did before and I am thankful to Altrincham for giving her that.

"To switch on the Christmas lights will make her memories of Altrincham even more special - she really does deserve it, she is one in a million.”

Entries had flooded in to the competition, with the winner not only getting the prestigious job of flicking the lights switch, but also taking home a hamper of Altrincham goodies worth more than £700.

Louise will be accompanied by Noddy Holder, the front man of 1970s mega group Slade.

Noddy is joining the fun as a patron of the Children’s Adventure Farm Trust, which Altrincham Unlimited will be supporting this Christmas.

Louise will be accompanied by Noddy Holder, who will be joining the fun as a patron of the Children’s Adventure Farm Trust, which Altrincham Unlimited - the new name for the town's Business Improvement District - will be supporting this Christmas.

Katie Bland, Altrincham Unlimited manager said: “Reading the entries to our Christmas Star competition was the best job I have had since joining Altrincham Unlimited.

"Families gave us some fantastic reasons why they love Altrincham, and none more so than Alex and Louise. We are delighted that Louise will be joining us as our Christmas Star this year.

"As the Children’s Adventure Farm Trust is our chosen charity this year, we’re also thrilled that their patron Noddy Holder will be with us in Altrincham for the Christmas lights switch-on.

"Nobody says ‘It’s Christmaaaas!’ like Noddy – he’s the perfect guest to launch the festive season and we know Altrincham will give him a warm welcome!”