BRITISH para-swimmer Stephanie Millward turned on the Christmas lights at Shaw Trust’s community social enterprise Palmer Gardens on Thursday (November 24).

The Rio 2016 gold medallist and five-time London 2012 games medallist illuminated the centre to the joy of dozens who had gathered for the event.

Emma Black, training manager of Palmer Gardens, said: “It was a really amazing evening and really nice to meet Stephanie.

“Before switching the lights on she had dinner with the students and they got to wear her medals which they all loved.

“She is a great inspiration to the students and she really took the time to talk to each of them – it was very exciting for them.

“It was definitely our best ever Christmas light switch on ceremony and there were lots of people there to witness it.”

As well as Mrs Millward’s visit there was a carol service and a performance from the Melksham Music and Drama society, who sang until Father Christmas arrived in a fire engine, as well as talks from town crier Trevor Heeks and town mayor Cllr Linda Self.

A bar was donated by the Living Bar Company and cider was provided by Lilley’s Cider Barn, Frome.

The event took months to plan and weeks of preparation work from the centre's management team and local residents who donated their time to help get everything ready in time.

Mrs Millward said: “I was delighted to be switching Shaw Trust’s Palmers Green centre’s Christmas lights this year.

“The charity provides amazing opportunities for young people with disabilities or long term health conditions to gain valuable training and work experience that will see them overcome vulnerability and build successful careers.”