LEIGH is going for gold at this year’s Christmas switch-on.

Swimming’s Beijing Paralympic golden girl and world record holder Heather Frederiksen will be join Wigan’s Mayor, Cllr Rona Winkworth, to flick the switch at 7pm on November 20 Heather, of Clifton Street, collected a gold, silver and two bronze medals at the September games.

An able bodied international until a freak accident ended her career four years ago, Heather is world record holder for the 100m backstroke and is the current European record holder for the 400m freestyle and 100m butterfly. She also holds the British record in a total of six different events.

She said: “I am really honoured to have been asked to switch on my hometown’s Christmas lights. I can’t wait. It is going to be a fantastic night!”

The festivities will begin in the Civic Square at 3.30pm with a DJ and children’s fun fair.

Father Christmas will be taking a break from his hectic schedule to find out what the children from Leigh would like in their stockings this year and there will be entertainment from talented, Carl Dawson. Everyone will get a chance to take part when Father Anthony from St Thomas’s Church leads the carol singing.

Before the switch on, the Leigh Township Awards, which acknowledge the work of society’s unsung heroes, will be presented on the main stage.

The event will end with a bang with a spectacular 15 minute firework display and the peal of the parish church bells.

For more information contact Janis Maleedy, town centre co-ordinator on 01942 828878 or J.Maleey@wigan.gov.uk