A "dream is coming true" for one Falmouth volunteer and fundraiser after he was chosen to switch on the town's Christmas lights display on Thursday night.

Tom Clements, 23, was nominated by the staff at The Poly where he is a "super-duper, wonderful and committed" volunteer, running the box office "like a supremo," and he also gives his time at the town's Cancer Research shop and is a volunteer radio presenter on Source FM community radio station.

The Poly's chief executive, Judith Hann, said in his nomination: "Tom is a lovely man, who personifies community dedication - he hasn’t always had an easy time of it, but he continues to throw himself into every opportunity and is a wonderful person. He does a great job for us here at The Poly, promoting events we have on in his non-volunteering time, whilst raising money for lots of good causes."

Tom told the Packet: "It feels amazing to be chosen out of everyone in the Falmouth community, I couldn't believe it.

"I'm sort of nervous, but it's a mix between nerves and excitement. I'm looking forward to the whole experience.

"I have been in Falmouth all my life. I always people switching on the lights every year and I have always thought one day I wish I could do that. And actually a dream is coming true."

Tom, who has dyslexia and dyspraxia, lost his mother to cancer three years ago, and ever since he has been spurred on to collect money to help beat the disease.

He has undertaken various challenges for Cancer Research, including a recent sponsored exercise bike ride which raised over £100, and has also raised funds for The Poly and Source FM.

Tom will be flicking the switch on the Christmas lights during a ceremony on Thursday evening.

The evening begins at 5.30pm, and there will be a lantern parade from Events Square to the Moor, where the illuminations will be turned on at 7pm.

The event is the first of the town's late night Christmas shopping events, and there will be food, drink and music on The Moor, as well as Santa in his grotto at the Municipal Building.