A pop star with the X-Factor has vowed to spread festive warmth at this year's big Christmas lights switch-on.

Andy Abraham, who shot to stardom on the hit ITV show and was the UK's Eurovision entry this year, will perform in front of hundreds before pushing the button at Dartford's annual festive bash tomorrow.

The 44-year-old said: "I'm really looking forward to it. I'm just really pleased I've been invited. I plan to warm the crowd up even if the weather doesn't."

It will not be the first time Abraham has performed in the town. He was one of a number of X-Factor stars to wow crowds at the Dartford Festival in 2007. "The reaction was brilliant," he said. "They were right up for having a great time and I certainly gave them that, and that's my plan again but I want to incorporate some of my newer material."

The former binman, who is set to embark on a three-month UK tour, said things have got better and better since he narrowly lost out to Shayne Ward in 2005.

He aded: "Since the X-Factor I've had Eurovision and platinum and gold selling albums. I've had fantastic success so far and I'm loving what I'm doing. Life couldn't be better."

Andy will be performing in Dartford town centre from 4.40pm, before turning on the lights with Santa and snow at 5.15pm. The fun starts with Santa's arrival in the Orchards Shopping Centre at noon.

For full details and vouchers for money off purhcases in the shopping centre, see this week's Dartford Messenger.