Two high profile VIPs are in line to switch on this year's Christmas Lights in Deal.

Ellice Barr and Theo Knott have been specially chosen to press the button which will illuminate the town at the festive bash on Friday.

The pair, who both have cerebral palsy, have won the hearts of our readers in two separate campaigns to raise cash for life changing Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) surgery.

Now, post op, they're prepared to help revellers get into the Christmas spirit at the switch on.

The fun starts with music in Deal High Street opposite St George's Church from 6pm with radio DJ Johnny Lewis who will rally the crowds.

Secretary of Deal and Walmer Chamber of Trade, Peter Davies, said: "It's recognition of their fortitude in the face of lengthy and intrusive medical procedures to overcome mobility impairments.

"It was an idea I had after contact with them through Deal Icebreakers, and as Christmas is for children having Santa and these two brave ones would be a fitting end to the work we do over Christmas."

Kicking a ball and walking backwards unaided are two things Theo Knott is able to do following his SDR surgery.

The community raised £72,000 in six months to enable the six-year-old who has cerebral palsy to undergo the operation to reduce spasticity.

Mum Naomi Morton, of College Road, Deal, says the change in her son is truly indescribable since the op at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) last June.

He said: "The physio will continue for the next couple of years and although Theo uses his frame to run around you never know what the next few years will bring to him so thank you from the bottom of our hearts."

Squatting, swimming and climbing steps are just some examples of what Ellice Barr has achieved following her SDR surgery in July this year.

The six-year-old from Magness Road is also receiving regular physiotherapy to help her to walk unaided.

It's thanks to the people of Deal and Dover who donated more than £65,000 towards Ellice's Wish to Walk, a campaign launched by her parents Joe and Amy Barr last November.

RUNNING ORDER:

• 4pm - Light music begins and the team will begin promoting the evening’s events.
• 6pm - Johnny Lewis on stage to rally the crowds
• 6.15pm - Snow machine draw: Winners will be introduced on stage by Johnny Lewis to turn on snow machines
• 6.25pm - Deal Carnival Court introduced on stage by Johnny Lewis
• 6.35pm - Pat Heath of the Deal Chamber of Trade goes on stage with Father Christmas, dog, cat and reindeer.
• 6.40pm - Pat Heath makes a small speech
• 6.45pm - Johnny Lewis introduces the cast of this year's Royal Marines Pantomime 'Bonjur Bonjur' to the crowd.

• 7.15pm - Ellice Barr and Theo Knott take the stage for Countdown and Lights!

Among the decorations will be a record 120 trees which have been bought by shop owners and businesses and erected by volunteers.

Mr Davies added: "The businesses that work on the lights free of charge every year should get a mention.

"These are Kent Aerials, Catt Aerials, Castle Removals, Simple Life, R G Williams, Zoom Photos, Linden Hall Studios and Go Top SEO."

The lights have been paid for using money raised at an auction at Deal Angling Club last Friday. This year a record £1,572.60 was collected.

As always, it is hoped stars from The Marlowe Theatre's pantomime production Cinderella will attend the switch on, however their attendance can never be promised.

The fun-filled, family pantomime at The Marlowe promises a laugh-a-minute with a star-studded cast including children’s favourite Mister Maker Phil Gallagher, and national treasure Sally Lindsay of Coronation Street and Loose Women.
Ben Mitchell, aka Harry Reid, will play Dandini and Marlowe legends Ben Roddy and Lloyd Hollett are the ugly sisters.