A boy from Westgate-on-Sea who suffers from a life-shortening condition has been given the honour of switching on Herne Bay’s Christmas lights this year.

Five-year-old Connor Olsen suffers from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), which causes muscle degeneration and paralysis.

It means he will be wheelchair-bound by the age of 10, and has a shortened life expectancy of 20 years.

In October footballers from the Herne Bay Youth under 16s team chose to support the charity Caring for Connor, which was set up by Connor’s parents.

Now he has been chosen to switch on Herne Bay’s lights by organisers of the Christmas showcase on Friday, December 5.

Mum Georgina Olsen said: “It’s something to look forward to. It might be his last Christmas like this as it will go downhill afterwards.

“When the organisers contacted us I was like ‘wow’ because normally you get a celebrity for light switch-ons.

“But with Connor it is something a bit closer to home. We have told him and it should be good fun.”

Showcase organiser Gideon Scott, from Herne Bay Town Partners, said Connor was an obvious choice for the big day.

He said: “We always pick a local celebrity to switch on the lights. Last year we had a little chap called Stanley Turner.

“We used to have panto performers from the Marlowe to switch on lights. But it was in the middle of November. By December they are very busy.

“So now we pick our own celebrity. The charity Caring for Connor has been fundraising outside the Kent Enterprise Trust building where I work. My son also plays as the goalie in the under 16s football team. So local people know who Connor is, and we all thought he would be the ideal candidate.”

The switch-on will be on Friday, December 5 from 4pm to 6pm in the town centre.

The family also hopes to raise money on Friday, November 28 with a Colours for Connor day, a sponsored day to dress up in bright colours to work or school. For more information visit www.caring4connor.com