A QUADRUPLE amputee from Hampshire will turn on the Christmas lights in his home town next month.

Father-of-one Alex Lewis, who became a hero in his community after a cold developed into a flesh-eating bug, will take centre stage at the festivities in Stockbridge.

As previously reported by the Andover Advertiser, the 34-year-old lost both his arms and legs as well as part of his nose and lips when the normally harmless bacterial infection, Group A Streptococcus rapidly developed into multiple organ failure, septicaemia and toxic shock syndrome.

He initially had both of his legs and one armamputated, but was readmitted to hospital in July this year for an emergency operation to remove his only remaining limb.

But now Alex, who bravely described the amputation as a “minor setback”, is preparing to light up the High Street, which will be illuminated with more than 30 individual Christmas trees on buildings.

Stockbridge residents, traders and councillors have raised more than £5,000 to allow the festivities to take place on Tuesday, December 9.

The event will also include live music and a Santa’s Grotto at the Grosvenor Hotel.

St Peter’s Church bells will ring out at 7pm, when Alex will turn on the lights, ahead of a candle-lit carol service.

Shops will also remain open until the later time of 8pm to mark the occasion.

Alex said: “All in the community have worked hard to make this a very special Christmas and we have had some generous donations from individual residents and stakeholder groups.

“It is an honour for me to turn on the Christmas tree lights in my local town.”