Shoppers were thrust into the festive spirit in Bicester when the mayor and two special helpers turned on the Christmas lights.

The north Oxfordshire town was the first in the county to hold its annual switch-on.

This year, instead of having a celebrity to turn on the lights, the town council invited two local youngsters to help out.

Town mayor Pauline Liddington was joined on Thursday by life-saver Jaden Ashton and young piano player Michael Ng.

Jaden, six, who saved his mother Aubrina's life when she fell into a diabetic coma at home, and Michael, eight, who plays the piano at Bicester Resource Centre, flicked the switch watched by thousands of townsfolk.

Jaden, who attends St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, recently collected a Pride of Britain award after being chosen from more than 25,000 contenders.

He was nominated because of his bravery in helping his mum in June.

The 40-year-old had lapsed into a coma after oversleeping one morning and missing one of her four daily insulin injections.

Meanwhile, Michael, from Langford Village, Bicester, performed two five-minute piano slots on the stage in Sheep Street.

Mrs Liddington said: “The whole place was packed with people. It was smashing.

“The boys pressed the button at the right time and they were well appreciated by the crowd.”

The event attracted shoppers, families and youngsters to the town who were very impressed to see artificial snow falling.

Along the street at Bicester Toys and Nursery, Father Christmas was made to feel at home when he entered his red and green grotto.

Lucky youngsters who visited Father Christmas were not only able to tell him what they wanted for Christmas, but each received an early present.

Owner Jason Messenger said: “We had lots of happy children and everyone seemed to enjoy it.”

The grotto will be open on Saturday, November 29, December 6 and 13, from 10am until 4pm.

The proceeds raised will go to the town mayor’s chosen charities.

Students from Bicester Community College played for the fourth consecutive year at the town’s lighting-up event.

The talented team of musicians played a selection of jazz numbers to reflect the festive occasion.

Head of year nine Andrew Chambers said: “Playing at the Christmas Lighting Up evening is so special for us and we were very happy to be part of the Christmas magic the organisers worked so hard to achieve.”

bicester@oxfordmail.co.uk