Two lucky girls will join Joseph star Lee Mead on stage as guests of honour to turn on a town's Christmas lights.

The pair got the chance after winning Dartford's annual colouring competition.

This year's winner was Jessica Salter, nine, but as last year's winner Tireni Adegbola, 11, could not do it in person due to Covid restrictions, she was invited to join this year's festivities.

Jessica's mum, Svetlana Pavlova, said: "She is over the moon. It is a big thing, she could not wait to tell her dad and grandmother when she found out. She messaged all her friends to tell them. She still cannot stop talking about it."

Tireni said she was really surprised to hear she will be switching on the lights after not being able to last year.

The 11-year-old's mum, Folayemi Adegbola, added: "It is a great opportunity. The whole family is excited, she is super excited. We are really looking forward to it."

The girls will join Joseph and Holby City actor Lee Mead, Mayor of Dartford Cllr Rosanna Currans and Father Christmas in turning on the town's festive lights on November 20.

The event will start at 1pm with an array of talented street performers including stilt walkers, unicyclists and magicians and a brass band and even drumming Santas all courtesy of event partners Cohesion Plus.

In addition to the street performers, there will be further entertainment on stage in Brewery Square which will begin at 2.30pm.

Compered by Milkshake! presenter David Ribi, fellow presenter and one of the stars of this year’s Dartford panto, Kiera-Nicole will also be appearing along with Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions winners, Twist and Pulse.

The day will also feature band Beer Pressure, Orchard Theatre Choir, Orchard Theatre Ukulele Group, a tribute to Dua Lipa and singer Shane Hampsheir.

The lights switch-on will take place at about 5.20pm in Brewery Square, Dartford.

The event is free to attend, with more information available by calling 01322 343440 or visit www.dartford.gov.uk/christmas

Read more: All the latest news from Dartford