THE Cork girl who melted the hearts of the nation on The Late Late Toy Show turned on the Christmas lights in Glanmire tonight. 

Sophie was a star of the Toy Show last week when she told the country about her little brother Cian and his battle with cancer in Crumlin Hospital.

The Glanmire girl's emotional appearance on the show involved Ryan Tubridy gifting her a trip to the Harry Potter theme park in London and tickets to a West End musical. 

Sophie was brought to tears by the gesture and her bravery was recognised tonight in her hometown when she met Santa and officially switched on the Christmas lights, marking the start of the festive season. 

Jack Morgan, Ríaghán and Cuán Coakley at the switching on of the Christmas tree lights in Glanmire last nightPicture: Eddie O'Hare

Santa meets the locals