A LITTLE boy who has overcame his obstacles to become a fashion model and television star has helped bring Christmas to the North-East.

Six-year-old Teddy Berriman turned on the festive lights on the tree outside County Hall in Durham, and the tree on the nearby Framwellgate Peth roundabout.

The youngster, from Copley in Teesdale, has spastic quadriplegia, a disabling form of spastic cerebral palsy which means that he cannot walk, stand or sit unaided.

He is also partially sighted as well as having epilepsy and autism, but the determined little boy is not letting his disability hold him back.

He has become a model and presenter, starring in fashion shoots for River Island and Marks and Spencer, a TV commercial promoting toys for Very and the CBeebies science show Kit and Pup.

Teddy was joined by chairman of Durham County Council, Councillor John Lethbridge at the event on Monday afternoon.

Cllr Lethbridge said “I was really inspired by Teddy’s story. He’s such a positive little boy, with such an infectious smile. It was an honour to meet him, to hear about his achievements in his modelling career and to help spread some Christmas joy.”

Teddy’s mum Nicola said: “We are total humbled that Teddy has been chosen to switch on the Christmas lights, it was a total surprise and he’s been so excited since he was invited.”