A VILLAGE will be full of festive lights again this Christmas in memory of an inspirational teenager.

Heighington is to hold a special carol concert on Thursday, December 21 at 6.30pm in tribute to Kieran Maxwell.

The 18-year-old, who lived in the village, died in June after a near seven battle with cancer.

The young athlete lost his left leg after being diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma – a rare form of bone cancer – in October 2010.

He received widespread acclaim after twice beating the condition in the hope of representing Great Britain in the 2016 Paralympics in Rio.

But a chest x-ray during a routine check-up last October brought the devastating confirmation that the cancer had returned.Last year, residents in the village united by lighting up their houses early and brought the festive season forward for the teenager when it was feared he may not see another Christmas.

Speaking about this year’s event, Kieran’s mother, Nicola, said: “We started planning last year – we wanted to expand it and do even more than we did last time.

“There will be refreshments in the village hall and every bit of money that is raised will go back into the Kieran Maxwell legacy.”

The family are also hosting a charity ball at Barnard Castle School next month to raise money for the legacy fund – with help from a number of famous sporting stars.

Memorabilia – including a signed Geoff Hurst 1966 England World Cup shirt, a Mo Farah Great Britain vest, an Anthony Joshua boxing glove, a Jenson Button cap, and much more – will be up for auction on the night to raise money.