Diana Vickers invited to switch on Accrington Christmas lights

9:58pm Monday 3rd November 2008

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DIANA Vickers has been officially asked to switch on her hometown’s Christmas lights.

Leader of Hyndburn Borough Council, Coun Peter Britcliffe, revealed the council had asked Diana to oversee Accrington’s Christmas lights switch-on, after making contact through the X Factor’s publicity office.

He said the council had received a reply from the X Factor that as Diana was under contract to them, it was their decision as to whether she would be free to attend or not.

If they decide to allow Diana to attend on the night, the Westholme pupil would launch Hyndburn’s Christmas switch-on season outside Accrington Town Hall on Thursday November 20 at 6.30pm, followed by a giant aerial display above the Arndale Shopping Centre.

Diana would add to the entertainment stage planned for outside the Town Hall before switching on the lights at 7.30pm, preceeding a firework display in front of the Arndale.

The evening will launch switch-ons around Hyndburn, and the council are keen that the borough’s brightest new star should be a part of it.

Coun Britcliffe said the council remained optimistic. He said: “We would be delighted if she was free to take part as she is gaining new fans by the day.

“It is very exciting for other young people from Accrington to watch this young girl doing her best to make her dreams come true.

“I think she is a very inspirational role model.

“At this stage, we have been told that she is under contract to X Factor, so we have written to them again to ask if it is possible to release her for the night.

"She is a national celebrity now so we are just keeping our fingers crossed that X Factor will give her permission.”

Diana, who has lived in Accrington with her mum and sister since the family moved from Blackburn a few years ago, has been gathering even more celebrity fans this week.

After being named Geri Halliwell’s favourite last week, both Will Young and new Bond girl Gemma Arterton have tipped Diana for the top.

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