A BOY with a life-limiting illness switched on Falmouth's Christmas lights last night after being voted as the community's choice.

Jozef Stasiak, who attends St Mary’s School, switched on the lights in front of hundreds of people yesterday evening.

The evening began at around 5.30pm, when the Christmas parade leaves Events Square and makes its way to The Moor.

Choirs, bands and schools performed on the stage before Jozef's big moment arrived.

Before the switch-on, Jozef’s mother, Heidi, said: “We are all delighted that Jozef will be switching the lights on this year in Falmouth. We are so excited that he will have this opportunity and know he will be so happy.

"I’d also like to mention his class friends, who are real heroes where Jozef is concerned. They accept him for who he is, and he is very much a part of his class and community at St Mary’s School.”

Richard Gates, Falmouth Town manager, added: “We would like to thank all who nominated. The event is a lovely community occasion in Falmouth, and we were this year, overwhelmed with the amount of nominations. I do hope that Josef and his family have a lovely evening.

"We are particularly looking forward to the Christmas period this year, with the organising of the new Festive Weekend on December 14 and 15. Falmouth’s Festive Weekend hopes to generate a magical festive feeling through the town for locals and visitors alike."