A Christmas wish has come true for one Margate girl after her efforts ensured that the seaside town is full of festive sparkle.

And 10-year-old Mia Kirkden will be the one switching on the lights tomorrow night after she decided to spend her pocket money on decorations for the town's Cecil Square tree.

Her decision came after the Mayor and Charter Trustees of Margate were criticised on social media as pictures revealed the lack of decoration on the tree, which they donated to the town.

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Mia paid for dozens of baubles to add some festive cheer to the display.

Mia's mum, Kelly Magee, said: "I am so proud and overwhelmed with the response of the community and the way they have backed Mia.

"The guys at Falcon Electrical have asked her if she wanted to turn the lights on tomorrow and she was very shocked and surprised and agreed to do it.

"When Mia found out people were coming together to donate decorations she said it was a dream come true.

"Last week she came to me and said it didn't look like a Christmas tree.

"I told her that no one has any money and she said she wanted to put her pocket money towards the decorations.

"I've just had lots of people saying to me how proud I should be of her and I am delighted to call her my daughter.

"I'm so proud that she's managed to inspire a community."

And staff at Falcon Electrical and Security of Clarence Avenue, Margate, have ensured that the tree has plenty of colourful lights.

Director at the firm Louis Mayhew said: “We have always been involved in getting lots of things done at Christmas for the area.

“Up until this year Margate had not had a tree for three years.

“We want to welcome people to put their own decorations on it as well and let them know they can use it as a memory tree too.

“People have been in to tell us how much better it looks now.

“It means a lot to Margate because we have not just decorated the tree but we are also going to put up some lights around the bus stop as well as other places around the town.”

The team have invited people to place messages on the fir so they can remember loved ones who have died.

Mr Mayhew said: “Now it has been done everyone seems really positive and some people are beeping the tree as they drive and smiling as they walk past.”

Mia will be officially switching on the lights on Friday at 6pm.

Families are invited to meet Father Christmas in his sleigh from 4pm.