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BIG Brother winner Anthony Hutton is to light up his home town - by switching on the Christmas lights.

The star, from Stanley Street, Consett, County Dur-ham, is to be asked to perform the ceremony on the new lights in December.

He will be approached by Derwentside District Council leader Alex Watson.

Anthony's grandmother, Mary Hutton, said he would be honoured.

She said: "He is a Consett lad so, of course, he will do it and it will be great for him.

"There is nothing he won't do for his home town. He is that sort of lad, and the nation is aware of that."

Councillor Watson said Anthony had been the first choice to switch on the lights since he entered the show. He said: "We would be privileged because he has done a hell of a lot for Consett. He is a genuine lad and had done very well."

Last week, Bernie Allaker, manager of Annfield Plain Association Football Club, where Anthony plays, said he would have to lose some weight before he won his place back.

But now he hopes Anthony is prepared to play for them at home on Wednesday, against Ferryhill Football Club, at 6.30pm.

Article This Is The North East