SHE'S only seven years old by Carla-Jayne Acton is a giant among charity fund-raisers.

Now Carla-Jayne's efforts in raising £2000 in just six months have earned her the title of Leigh Journal Young Citizen of the Year.

Carla-Jayne, of North Avenue, Leigh, was chosen by a panel of judges to receive her award at today's (Thursday) glittering switch-on of Leigh's Christmas lights at the Town Hall. Carla-Jayne and her family will be special guests of the Leigh Town Centre Management Group, organisers of the event, and she will receive her award at a special ceremony in the Council Chamber.

Carla-Jayne, a Carnival Queen, spent six months raising money for the Medic-Alert charity. She did a sponsored fish, sponsored car wash, packed bags at local supermarkets and organised bucket collections.

Proud mum Jayne said: "She must have a fund-raising gene in her body. She can't seem to get enough of it."

The Bedford St Thomas's School pupil hasn't finished there, however. She is currently raising money for Christie's Hospital.

Today's fun on the Town Hall Square begins at 3pm with a DJ and roadshow with big screen entertainment. At 6pm there will be a candlelight church parade followed by community carol singing accompanied by the Old Hall Brass Band. Leigh Centurions star Neil Turley will switch the lights on at 7pm before a huge fireworks display lights up the town.