Thousands of people flocked into Falmouth on Thursday to see the Christmas lights switched on by a very special little boy.

Four-year-old Albie Cook was picked from a wide array of nominations last month to turn on the lights following the sudden death of his mother Sophie Cook in March.

Following the news that Albie had been picked, an outpouring of support was shared on Facebook.

Falmouth Packet: Albie gets ready to push the plunger! Watched on by his familyAlbie gets ready to push the plunger! Watched on by his family (Image: Colin Higgs)Melisa Gallie wrote: “Wow, how lovely what a beautiful tribute to his mum, he will never forget this”, while Samantha Jane Wigg commented: “Bless his heart, Sophie will be watching from up there with a big smile on her face.”

Albie was joined by his grandmother Kate Condy, and other family members on stage to push the plunger to light up Falmouth.

Although faced with thousands of people watching him, Kate said that little Albie was “quite confident” when he took the stage. She said: “It was amazing.

“Albie was quite confident, and it was all round a wonderful experience.”

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As previously reported in the Packet, Albie was picked by Falmouth Town Council to turn on the lights this year. At the time, a council spokesperson said: “Albie has experienced the sudden loss of his mum in March this year, so could not be more deserving of the opportunity to experience a little joy along with his family.”

Falmouth Packet: Albie along with his family and a special guest Albie along with his family and a special guest (Image: Colin Higgs)The light switch-on event also featured music from local bands including The Rock Choir which performed festive favourites on The Moor, local schools performing Christmas carols and festive songs, Sing Choir and Viva Voce.

A Falmouth Christmas parade was also led by Kernow Pipes and Drums which left from Event’s Square and marched through the main streets to the Moor.

Falmouth Packet: Local school children performed songs on the stage Local school children performed songs on the stage (Image: Colin Higgs)Throughout December, there will be an array of Christmas events including the Falmouth Festive Weekend on December 9 and 10.

More information can be found at www.falmouth.co.uk

See more pictures of Thursday's lights switch on in our gallery above.