TWO outstanding local people have been chosen to turn on Ross-on-Wye’s Christmas Lights this Sunday.

This year’s winners are Charlie Bowden and Tom Dudziec were chosen from the numerous nominations received by Ross Town Council, by the event’s sponsors, Rehau and Dawleys.

Charlie Bowden has been on a mission this year to raise as much money as possible for Macmillan Cancer Support following his mother’s bowel cancer diagnosis a few years ago.

The family have been through a tough time, and it has been quite a journey but after a major operation and numerous treatments his Mum, Sarah, is now cancer free. Charlie set a fundraising target of £12,000 and is well on his way of achieving this figure.

To raise funds, he has organised various events including a benefit gig, as well as spending his summer doing gardening jobs.

But his biggest fundraiser was climbing Kilimanjaro with his father, Tony, in October.

Charlie said: “I was surprised to hear the news I was nominated and selected to turn on the lights. I am extremely proud of this achievement. I have had a very busy year of fundraising, and I would like to thank everyone who has supported me on this journey.”

On choosing the charity, Macmillan, Charlie said: “We have always supported cancer charities, and sadly not all families are as fortunate as we have been with Mum’s recovery.”

The other switch on star, Tom, has been a volunteer co-ordinator for Hereford and Worcester Community First Responder’s Ross-on-Wye Scheme for over 12 years, and has committed up to 1,000 hours annually to supporting the community of the town.

He ensures all the local community first responders are up to date with new procedures and training and has a real commitment to educating the public on CPR and automated external defibrillators.

Tom said: “I am extremely grateful for being nominated and ultimately chosen by the community for this honour. I give up a lot of my time for the town. It is a great honour to be picked as one of the ‘switch on stars.”

Ross-on-Wye Christmas Fayre and lights switch ceremony takes place on Sunday, December 1.