FOR four inspirational youngsters, this year’s Christmas will always be one to remember.

On Saturday, the ‘Little Champions of the Year’ from the Press 2017 Community Champions awards helped Santa with the Dunfermline Christmas Lights switch-on.

Alastair King Jnr, Ava Stark, Christopher Paxton and Elize Bauld all took to the stage after being paraded through the town in classic cars, before getting the festive season under way.

Eight-year-old Alastair was diagnosed with ADHD at an early age and joined Inverkeithing’s Hyperclub in 2012.

After initially struggling to engage with others, his confidence grew and he is an inspiration to other children at the club and makes new members feel welcome and involved.

His dad, Alastair King Snr, was a proud father as he watched his son help Santa with the switch-on.

He said: “He’s away to school (Linburn Primary) this morning buzzing about it. He’ll be telling all of his classmates as we speak!

“He was the same when he won the Press award. He couldn’t stop showing everyone.

“I’m very proud of him. It’s not every day you get to see your son take part in something as special as that.”

For Marie Stark, Ava’s mum, seeing her four-year-old daughter on the stage after being diagnosed with bone marrow failure in 2016 was an early Christmas present.

“It was a very proud moment for her, myself and all of her family,” Marie said.

“Ava got to go in the car with Santa as the other car was full. She was constantly staring at him the whole way!

“It was great to see Ava dancing on stage and singing to all the Christmas songs when she was supposed to be paying attention!

“It was a once-in-a-lifetime moment and it’s definitely an early Christmas present for all of us.”

Christopher has raised awareness of those suffering from cerebral palsy. The seven-year-old underwent major hip surgery recently which has improved his level of independence.

Mum Debbie Paxton could not have been any prouder on a night where many great memories were made.

She said: “It was a wonderful night and such a lovely experience for everyone involved.

“I was so delighted for him. It gave him a real boost and a spot in the limelight.

“We didn’t know what to expect really but we have to thank Dunfermline Delivers for the invitation. It was lovely to be involved.

“It was even great to ride in the classy cars. Christopher was waving at people and he said to me: ‘Mum, I don’t know any of these people I’m waving at’.

“He’ll always remember his eighth Christmas.”

Elize won’t forget this Christmas, either.

She has already achieved great success in karate, aged just nine. She has competed in tournaments around the UK and is a current North of England and Irish champion.

She is always on hand to help younger children at her club and is an excellent role model.

Her mum, Elaine, admits the parents were just as excited as the kids.

She said: “Her dad, Robert, and brother, Ethan, were with us and it was just a fantastic night.

“I think all the parents were excited to be there and see their kids on stage.

“Elize feels quite famous now! I’m so proud of her.

“Normally it’s just Santa doing the switch-on but it was such a nice gesture to let the kids have their special moment.

“They’ll all remember that night.”