5yr-old Pagan switches on Coventry Christmas lights

[dutchman]

This year's Coventry Christmas lights were switched on by a very special guest.

Five-year-old Pagan Pittaway had the honour of lighting up the city after winning the Shining Star competition.

The Telegraph joined forces with Coventry city centre BID (business improvement district), Coventry City Council and West Orchards shopping centre to search for a star.

And, after a nomination from her aunt, Katie Collier, the Henley Green Primary pupil won the prize. At just nine months old, Pagan was taken into hospital and diagnosed with viral meningitis, which was treated with a course of antiobiotics.

Then, last month, aged five, Pagan was taken ill again, and this time diagnosed with type one diabetes.

As well as carefully monitoring what she eats, Pagan, of Lambeth Close, Henley Green, is now having to get used to having four injections every day.

But proud mum Tara says her "little fighter" is battling through.

She said: "As her mother, it is extremely hard to deal with, especially when I have to take her blood readings and give her the insulin.

"But Pagan is so strong and has taken this illness in her stride.

"I am extremely proud of her and how far she has come."

* The 11 finalists were: Cameron Bell, Ellie Smith, Kia Paige-Willis, Jake Leedham, Crystal Little, Laura Marie Millward, Chloe Doherty, Josiah Baxi, Shea Anderson, Subhaan Sheikh and Daniel Erison.

[dutchman]