UP-AND-COMING England football player Theo Walcott is to switch on Carterton's Christmas lights.

Theo, the grandson of Joe Walcott the former chairman of West Oxfordshire District Council and ex-Carterton tow mayor, is to be the special guest at the ceremony on Monday, November 27.

The 17-year-old Arsenal player was a reserve for England in the World Cup in the summer.

Mr Walcott, of Queens Road, Carterton, said: "We are very proud of Theo and we love him very much. We are delighted he's coming to switch on the Christmas lights.

"He's going to meet all the youngsters at the town hall and sign autographs. Theo is very relaxed, he doesn't want a big fuss, he just wants to do the job. Then he will come for dinner with us, then he'll be off because he has training the next day."

A street fair will be held in Carterton town centre from 5.30pm, the lights will be switched on at 6pm and there will be fireworks. Alvescot Road closed from 4 pm to 8 pm.

Mayor of Carterton Phil Scott said: "It is a real privilege to welcome Theo to Carterton. He is an excellent role model for youngster and I am delighted he had agreed to meet a group of some 50 or so local school children. I know that there is a lot of excitement building in the town and I am sure that many people will turn out to greet him."

Seven pupils from each of the local schools are to meet Theo.

Sue Tomkys, head of St Joseph's Primary School, Carterton, said: "I think it's an exciting opportunity for the children to see how practising hard to develop skills can open up all sorts of opportunities.

"He's a good example for them. He shows them how what you do when you are younger can lead to a career in the future. Everyone can aspire to being something special."