EX-ENGLAND football player and author Paul Merson revealed why he loves living in Teddington last night after he took to the stage to switch the town's lights on for the first time ever.

The former Arsenal winger, who recently made a powerful BBC documentary about his 35-year struggle with a gambling addiction, was the star of the evening and hundreds of Teddington people turned out to cheer as he walked onto the stage.

He was questioned by the night's host about his football career including a history-making move to Middlesborough in the 1990s.

Paul then declared Teddington to be "the best place I've ever lived" and said he felt very fortunate to be living here.

Following a performance by the choir and a countdown, Paul and the Council's Deputy Mayor pressed the button to illuminate the high street and Christmas tree with magical lights.

Teddington Nub News caught up with the football star later on, as he patiently posed for photos with fans and signed books and t-shirts.

Paul revealed that he has lived in Teddington for 7 or 8 years now and has always come along to the lights with his family.

Asked what makes Teddington so special, he said: "It's not stressful, the people are so nice - I just think it's a nice nice place. I feel very lucky to live somewhere like this."

A highlight is the family-run bakery Cavan, who he says make the best coffee in town - going there is a morning ritual for him.

But he's not often recognised in Teddington - and if he is, people tend to leave him alone, he said.

On his new book Hooked Paul said sales are going well, especially the audio downloads which have gone "through the roof."

"I think people are scared to be seen reading it to be honest!" he offered as an explanation.

But, he added, many readers have got in touch to tell him how much the book has helped them.

"I did it to try and help one person - and it's turned out to be a lot more than that," he said.