Boxer Rendall Munroe helped switch on Christmas lights in memory of a former city councillor.

Mr Munroe, who lives in Northfields, was among Friday's guests at the switching on of lights at the Merlyn Vaz Health and Social Care Centre, Spinney Hills, Leicester.

He was joined by Lord Mayor of Leicester Coun Roger Blackmore, Leicester East MP Keith Vaz and Philip Parkinson, chairman of primary care trust NHS Leicester for the event.

The Merlyn Vaz tree is lit every year in memory of Keith Vaz's mother who was Leicester's first female Asian councillor.

The tree stands outside the £13m health centre in Spinney Hill, Leicester, which was officially opened in March this year by then Secretary of State for Health, Alan Johnson MP.

Mr Vaz said: "I am delighted that the Lord Mayor switched on this year's lights. I look forward to this occasion every year and the Merlyn Vaz centre is the ideal location to get the area into the festive spirit."

"I would like to take this opportunity to wish the whole of Leicester a very merry Christmas."