Tommy the Egg Man to Turn on Xmas Lights? YES!!!

Two Bedlington students have started an online campaign to give a well respected local man the chance to turn on the Christmas lights.

Not wanting to be brushed off with a cliche Z-list celebrity event, Sian Darbyshire and Luke Charlton have taken it upon themselves to make sure a real local celebrity takes on the role.

"Tommy the Egg Man", as he is affectionately known, is regularly seen walking the streets and is known by almost everybody in the town.

Speaking on the specially formed Facebook group which now has over 350 450 600 1200 members, local resident Claire Bartie, said: "i think this is a brill idea tommy is lovely and always says hello ever since i was in middle school he always spoke to us all i defo vote for tommy!!!!!"

One of the groups creators, Sian Darbyshire, said: "I (and many others) feel this legend of a man deserves to turn the lights on in Bedlington. If Tommy does get the chance to turn the lights on because of this group we will all have made an old man very happy"

We caught up with Tommy on the street and asked him for comment. He very modestly played down his new found fame and instead wanted to chat about how the town's kids were a "great lot" who often received unnecessary criticism. He did agree to pose for a photo.

This years event promises to be an extra special affair following the completion of the Market Place regeneration scheme. The lights are due to be switched on at 5:30pm on Thursday 3rd December.

Do you think Tommy should switch on the lights this year? Join the Facebook group,, have your say on the online poll or leave your comments below.

Update: 30th November 2009, 3:10pm

We are pleased to be able to report that Tommy Will be switching the lights on this year. Congratulations to all involved!

Special thanks go to Northumberland County Council and this years event organisers Benet Enterprises. Set up by St Benet Biscop High School, Benet Enterprises aims to to encourage enterprise in young people. Without the understanding of these two groups and the performers themselves (Local student group EVENTUAL) none of this would be possible.