Facebook campaign nominates popular store worker Nigel Parker to turn on Portishead's illuminations, beating competition from celebrity rival Johnny Depp.
Mr Parker, who has worked at Homebase in Portishead, Somerset for two years, turned on the town's Christmas lights yesterday following a campaign on the social networking site Facebook.

Another favourite to do the honours had been actor and local homeowner, Johnny Depp. However, 21-year old Mr Parker achieved four times more votes than the Hollywood star, with 1,600 people logging on to put the DIY store worker's name forward and to praise him for his customer service skills and 'cheery personality'.

Mr Parker was joined by three members of Bristol City Football Club and turned the lights on to cheers of 'Nigel, Nigel' from the 3,000-strong crowd. He said he felt honoured to have been asked and that it had been an "amazing experience".