A street sweeper stole the show at a town’s Christmas lights switch-on after a celebrity guest cancelled to go into the Australian jungle.

Former Strictly Come Dancing star Ola Jordan had agreed to sign copies of her book at West Malling Christmas Festival, just a few miles from her East Malling home, on Sunday.

But when she was invited to appear on ITV’s reality television show I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! she ditched the festive event.

The 2,500 guests at the switch-on weren’t disappointed though as larger than life Clive Mitson bounded onto the stage dressed as an elf and danced before pressing the button to illuminate the town.

The 62-year-old grandfather admitted he actually wanted to dress as a “hairy fairy”, in hobnail boots and a tutu, but his wife of 36 years, Angela, wouldn’t let him.

Mr Mitson, from Tonbridge, was chosen by West Malling Chamber of Commerce, which had the task of finding an unsung hero whose work benefits the whole community.

He said: “I was chuffed to be asked because all I do is sweep the streets. As I walked onto the stage it was absolute butterflies.

“They’re talking about me being a superhero and I’m looking at all these people staring at me and cheering. I thought: ‘What do I do now?’ So I started jigging about.”

Mr Mitson, who has three daughters and seven grandchildren who all watched him on Sunday, started working for environmental solutions company Veolia three years ago when he was made redundant from his forklift driving job after 35 years.

He also volunteers as a driver and fundraiser at The Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre in Tunbridge Wells, which supports people touched by cancer.

Julia Smith, secretary of the West Malling Chamber of Commerce, said: “Come rain or shine, Clive is found in and around West Malling clearing away the weekend rubbish or sweeping the autumn leaves.

"He has deservedly earned the respect of local residents and businesses. It was a unanimous vote.”

An ice-rink, reindeer and more than 60 stalls also kept guests entertained.