SINGING sensation Carl Dawson last night proved he really does have the Xmas factor.

The 17-year-old Tonge Moor crooner hit the headlines a month ago when he wrote to Wigan Council claiming he was the next big thing in pop music.

To his amazement, council bosses gave Carl the green light to sing in front of an estimated 5,000 people at the switch on of the Leigh Christmas lights.

Last night, Carl performed a string of hits at the big switch-on party in Leigh Town Hall Square. He told The Bolton News it was the biggest thrill of his life.

He said: “I was very nervous beforehand but I got a great reception from the crowd. I had a lot of friends and family supporting me and that made all the difference. It was an amazing night. It is something I have always wanted to do and I’ll never forget it.”

Carl entertained the crowds before Leigh’s Paralympic hero, Heather Frederiksen, turned on the lights.

Heather, aged 22, broke her own world record on the way to winning gold in the 100m backstroke.

She also took silver medals in the 100m freestyle and 400m freestyle and bronze in the 200m individual medley.

Heather received a fantastic welcome from her home crowd and spoke on-stage about her time in Beijing.

And when she flicked the switch at 7pm, the crowd were treated to a spectacular fireworks display.

After the show, Heather said: “I was really honoured to be asked to switch on my home town’s Christmas lights. It was a fantastic night.”

The Leigh Township Awards were also handed out to deserving people and businesses at the event.