HUNDREDS of people turned out to watch Billericay’s Christmas lights being switched on.

There was plenty of festive entertainment in the high street, before the town’s first young citizen of the year turned the lights on, along with her brother, the citizen of the year, Carl Roberts and the town crier.

Six-year-old April Simmonds was given the honour in recognition of how caring and devoted she has been to her brother Fraser, four, who has Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

April and Fraser’s mother, Shelley Simmonds, 37, of Billericay, said: “April was really excited to turn on the lights. She and her brother Fraser were both on stage, although April pressed the button.

“It was nice for us as our lives are all about hospital appointments and Fraser and his condition, so we were really grateful to have something for April and for it to be about her. We are really proud of her.”

The event, on Sunday, saw performances from local school choirs, local dance groups including Dance Steps Academy perform, as well as Harmony Brass band and the Salvation Army band.