Most youngsters are taught to turn the lights off when they leave a room, but Maisie Bellew is being encouraged to turn them on, then off, then on again.

The 10-year-old, from Dartford, is getting in plenty of practice because on Saturday, she will be helping turn on the town’s Christmas lights.

The West Hill Primary Academy pupil will be making a special appearance at the festive light switch-on after winning a colouring competition with a picture of Cinderella surrounded by a Christmas tree, presents and fairy lights.

She will join dancer and television star Louie Spence, the Mayor of Dartford, Cllr Rosanna Currans, and Father Christmas on stage in the High Street as the countdown begins to 5.15pm.

Maisie said: “I felt really excited and happy that I won.

“I’m going to feel a bit nervous before I switch on the lights.”

Maisie’s mum, Stephanie, 41, said: “I’m trying to get her to switch on and off all the lights indoors to practice.

“It’s such a lovely opportunity for her.

“She entered the year before and missed out. It was another girl from West Hill Primary School who won it.”

It will mark the climax to a day packed with family fun, live music and entertainment.

From 2pm, the build-up will see performances from singers, bands, Rihanna and Robbie Williams’ tribute acts and X Factor finalists Five After Midnight.

In addition to the acts and entertainment on stage in the High Street, there will be lots of family entertainment and giveaways around the town centre, including a treasure hunt around the town, with a prize of a family-of-four ticket to see the pantomime at The Orchard Theatre.

This year’s show is Cinderella and stars Louie Spence as Dandini, and former EastEnders’ actress Michelle Collins, who plays the Wicked Stepmother. It runs from Saturday, December 9, to Sunday, December 31.