Hundreds flock to Christmas lights switch-on dedicated to Stephen Sutton

The 19-year-old's mother Jane flicked the switch on the festive illuminations last night in front of 400 people.

Hundreds of yellow bows have been tied to the tree which is situated outside the town's library at Sankey's Corner.

Stephen, who was from Burntwood, died of cancer in May.

Organiser Joanne Jarvis said: "It was an amazing night. We had about 400 people come out to see the lights being switched on.

"We had a lovely ladies choir singing Christmas carols. The lights are warm white but against the yellow bows the entire tree looks yellow. Everyone had a great time."

Mrs Jarvis tied all the bows onto the trees by herself with the help of family members.

Mrs Sutton spoke briefly to the crowds, thanking them for turning out and saying her son would have loved to have been at the lights switch-on.

Burntwood Town Council vice-chairman Keith Willis-Croft was also at the event.

People paid between £3 and £5 to have a bow tied onto the tree. Mrs Jarvis said around £1,000 has been raised for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Stephen raised £3 million for the Teenage Cancer Trust while he was battling cancer. A further £2m has been raised since he died.