The eight-year-old Gladstone Road Junior pupil will lead this Sunday's Christmas lights switch-on parade.

Scarborough Town Centre Management is organising the event – which will see Jodie riding alongside Santa and the mayor Cllr Eileen Vickers in a mini Rolls Royce while waving a wand to turn on the lights.

Jodie, of Rosevale Terrace, said she was "proud" to represent the town. "I can't believe it," she said. "I have always wanted to be a princess.

"I feel really proud and I can't wait for Sunday. I hope my friends will come as well."

Jodie, who is a brownie with the St Emmanuel's group, wrote in her entry form: "I am very fun going, always smiling and I am a keen brownie. I love animals as well. I love Christmas and would love to be a princess."

Mum Karen, 38, said: "I am so happy. All the girls who entered were beautiful."

Jodie's father Steven, 35, sister Lauren,10 and brother Jamie,12, will also be cheering her on in the crowd.

Town Centre manager Malcolm Hall has invited all the entrants to take part in the parade. They will travel in the 'smiley' train. The parade begins at 4.30pm in Queen Street.