Watford’s local hero Rio Woolf was the star of the show last night as he turned on intu Watford’s Christmas lights.

Six-year-old Rio got to officially start the shopping centre's Christmas countdown after readers voted the schoolboy this year’s town hero.

Mum Juliette said:  "He was absolutely thrilled to win the title. He knew he had some stiff competition.

"It’s a brilliant prize, Rio loves Christmas - the whole thing. This is a great early Christmas present for him, it’s a great honour.

"He’s been counting down to today, he was so looking forward to it."

The Hartsbourne Primary School pupil added he was very "excited" to be chosen to turn on the lights.

The evening featured live music and carols from the bridge outside John Lewis to get onlookers in the festive spirit, while Santa and his elves entertained the audience.

Crowds started to gather shortly after 6pm as Rio geared up to do the honours.

Rio’s dad Trevor said: "I’m immensely proud of my son, he’s our own hero too."

Intu’s lights are completely new this year, with an emphasis on a greater number of decorations instead of keeping to the confines of a traditional theme.

Intu Watford centre manager, Howard Oldstein, said: "It’s very important to us we play our part in the community here and welcome everyone’s involvement in these key events."

Elected Mayor of Watford, Dorothy Thornhill, added: "Having a real local hero to turn on the lights tonight is far better than getting in a celebrity we’ve nearly all forgotten. It’s a great idea. Intu is a wonderful asset to the town, they contribute a lot more than many people realise and events like this really reflect that."