THREE teenagers from Darwen who helped save a man's life last month will be rewarded for their bravery this weekend by being given the honour of switching on their town's Christmas lights.

The official job which is usually performed in towns across the country by popstars, actors and local celebrities, will this year fall to youngsters Michelle Humphreys and sisters Emma and Tammy Wilson.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has invited the three girls to join Coronation Street star Julie Hesmondhalgh, who plays Hayley Cropper, on stage on Saturday after hearing about their bravery.

They will jointly light up the town centre as part of the popular event, which last year attracted more than 800 people.

Michelle, 17, of Ivinson Road, Darwen, was praised by the emergency services after rescuing an 87-year-old man from his kitchen after hearing his smoke alarm.

She had been helping pals Emma and Tammy Wilson, 15, and 14, with their paper round in Moor Lane on October 22 when she dashed into the smoke-logged house and helped the man to safety before carrying out first aid on him.

Her friends and a passing motorist helped to call the fire brigade and look after the pensioner.

The girls are looking forward to meeting popular soap star Julie, from Oswaldtwistle, who has pledged to donate her appearance fee to charity.

She is well-known for raising money for charity and is patroness of the Accrington-based Maundy Relief.

Michelle said: "We are all really excited about it. Someone rang me to ask if I wanted to switch on the lights and I thought 'wow, why me?'.

"We've got to be there at 4.30pm and we go on stage at about 4.45pm. I'm nervous because I've never done anything like this before. Tammy and Emma are excited about it too.

"My mum is finishing work early to come and watch us.

"I think Coronation Street is really good so it will be good meeting Hayley."

People will start to gather at Darwen Bus Station from early afternoon on Saturday to get a good spot to watch the various activities which will take place, culminating in a giant firework display.

The event will begin at 2.30pm with a Christmas roadshow and music from brass bands and pipe bands.

This will be followed by a lantern parade and donkey-led nativity procession with carols performed by pupils from St Edward's and Holy Trinity Primary Schools.

The special guests and Father Christmas will arrive at 4.45pm in time for the big switch-on at 5pm.