IT’S the task that only a local hero can perform.

Hampshire Christmas lovers will be waiting with baited breath to watch as the magic of Christmas officially begins.

Now a very worthy winner from among more than 70 nominations sent in by Daily Echo readers has been chosen to turn on Southampton’s Christmas lights.

Singer and artist Greg Gilbert was picked by the panel at GO!Southampton Business Improvement District to press the button that will mark the start of this year’s festive fun.

The Bitterne Park Delays frontman has a global following while his detailed biro drawings have been shown in galleries around the city.

Speaking to the Echo, Greg said the news was “crazy”. He said: “I feel like a bit of an imposter. I’m sure there are plenty of other people who are more deserving than me.

“It’s so weird and surreal. But I love Christmas. As soon as Halloween is over I’m excited.

“I just love the fact that everyone is inside doing the same things – it’s a unifying kind of thing.”

A spokesperson for GO!Southampton said: “Over the years Greg has contributed a huge amount to the Southampton independent music community; from offering guidance to fledgling musicians, to giving Southampton bands the opportunity to open for The Delays at large music venues and for generally putting the city of Southampton on the musical map.

“Greg’s art has also been a great success, with his miniature blue biro pen drawings being displayed in Southampton City Art Gallery.

“But just last year Greg was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer and began palliative chemo on his 40th birthday.

“With the help of his family Greg has brought huge awareness to people about his condition via the Daily Echo.

“One nomination even told us that, because of Greg, her husband acknowledged he may have a similar illness, and subsequently underwent a successful operation. In the face of adversity, many feel that Greg has been a true inspiration to others, as he continues to live life with his positive, can-do attitude.”

“We have been really humbled by the stories of great courage and humanity. The nominations received for Greg were great both in number and in the praise for his contribution to music, art, Southampton in general and to raising awareness of bowel cancer. A true Southampton boy, he is the ideal candidate to join the mayor.”

He will be turning on the lights at Bargate on November 11 at 5pm and in Bitterne Precinct on November 25 at 4.30pm.