Community cafe owner to switch on Christmas lights

Denise McKay will turn on Kettering's Christmas lights this year after receiving hundreds of nominations from residents

The owner of a community cafe created in memory of her son has been chosen to switch on her town's Christmas lights.

Denise McKay, 76, who founded Johnny's Happy Place in Kettering, Northamptonshire, received hundreds of nominations through the town's Hunt for a Hero appeal.

Preparations for the festive event are under way, with a 30ft (nine metre) Christmas tree already installed in the town centre.

Ms Mackay said she was "thrilled" and "deeply honoured" to have been chosen.

Last year's Christmas light switch-on saw thousands of locals turn out

Johnny faced challenges with drug and alcohol addiction and undiagnosed mental health issues for several years. He took his own life in 2014 at the age of 29.

In the wake of his death, his family and friends were determined to honour his memory, and two months later they were offered an unused cafe space that became the foundation for Johnny's Happy Place.

Reflecting on being chosen as the guest at the switch-on, Ms McKay said: "I would like to thank everyone who voted for me.

"It's wonderful that our organisation is being recognised as a valuable resource to the town."

'Overwhelming support'

Craig Skinner, the mayor of Kettering, made the final decision and said: "We had so many nominations for Denise, there was an overwhelming amount of support for her.

"She has worked tirelessly to help people in Kettering and this is a wonderful opportunity for everyone in the town to thank her for what she has done."

The switch-on will also feature a performance by the winner of The Seb Factor - a competition set up in memory of Sebastian Nunney, who turned the lights on last year.

The event will have street entertainment, model railway rides, a table football tournament and music from Kettering Town Silver Band.

The switch-on takes place in the Market Place and along Sheep Street on 28 November at 16:00 BST.