A PRIZEWINNING eight-year-old girl was cheated out of switching on Bradford on Avon's Christmas lights after a 12-year-old boy beat her to the switch.

Jenny Croston, of Freshford, won the honour of illuminating the town after winning first place in a poster competition.

But the little girl was swindled of her moment of fame by Gradyn Hunt who jumped in and hit the switch before she could.

Moments later, though, the young prankster had been dealt with and the big switch on was reorganised so Jenny could enjoy her prize.

Jenny's father, Richard said: "She wasn't too upset and she seemed to enjoy herself."

The rest of the evening went without a hitch as crowds gathered to view the lights.

Town mayor, Janet Repton, was on hand to welcome visitors to the celebrations and shopkeepers extended their opening hours until 8pm so people could buy presents.