NEWTON ABBOT town centre was lit up on Saturday evening not only by the festive illuminations which were switched on after a day of fun and games but by the shining example set by three of the district's finest young people.

The honour of throwing the big switch and officially starting the countdown to Christmas went to 15-year-old Joseph Baker, a Teignmouth Community College student, who was named as the 2009 Teignbridge Young Hero.

Despite his own considerable problems, Joseph helps to care for his blind stepdad and his 19-year-old sister, who has cerebral palsy.

'I'm not a hero,' he told this newspaper when learning about his nomination.

Joining him in front of the crowds who had gathered for the switch on, and an early appearance by Father Christmas, were 13-year-old Jacob Mason, from Abbotskerswell, and nine-year-old Lauren Hamlyn, from Newton Abbot.

Both were finalists in the search for a Young Hero and were lauded for their own extraordinary efforts.

Jason cares for his dad Tim, who suffered a devastating stroke while Lauren, a devoted animal lover, raised funds for the Decoy Kitten Rescue Centre by having her blonde locks chopped short.

All three were awarded vouchers worth a total of £100 by the Lord of Newton Abbot Borough Town, Keith Stokes-Smith, and presented with certificates courtesy of Frames and Boxes, Newton Abbot.

Newton Abbot mayor Cllr David Howe oversaw events, aided by our previous Young Hero, Jade Barlow, from Kingsteignton.

Cllr Howe said: 'I thought it went well and there was a very good turnout.

'It was nice to see the Young Heroes there as well.

'The weather was also good to us – if it would have been in the morning, it would have been completely blitzed.'

Radio Coombeshead, the college radio, spent the earlier part of the day broadcasting from the clock tower.

Cllr Howe added: 'They did very well but there wasn't as big a turnout for them as I would have hoped.'