England's brightest footballing prospect is coming to Carterton to switch on the town's Christmas lights.

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

The 17-year-old Arsenal striker was picked for England's 23-man World Cup squad in the summer.

Joe, 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.

"He will come for dinner with us but then he'll have to leave because he has training the next day."

A street fair will be held in the town centre from 5.30pm, the lights will be switched on at 6pm and there will also be a fireworks show. Alvescot Road will be closed from 4pm to 8pm. Mayor of Carterton Phil Scott said: "It is a real privilege to welcome Theo to Carterton. He is an excellent role model for youngsters and I am delighted he has agreed to meet a group of 50 or so local schoolchildren.

"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 will meet Theo.

Sue Tomkys, headteacher at St Joseph's Primary School, 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 all of the children. He shows them what you do when you are younger can lead to a career in the future. Everyone can aspire to being something special."