Christmas lights switch-on in Little Common

Town Mayor Councillor Bridget George did the honours this year in front of a gathering of residents young and old at the heart of the village.

She was joined in the countdown to switch-on by Santa Claus himself who joined in the oohs and ahs as blue and white fairy lights shone across the huge tree at the centre of the roundabout.

The switch-on was followed by a carol service at Little Common Community Centre led by the brownies and local singing group Quintasia, followed by soup, baked potatoes and mince pies for everyone.

The event was all laid on by Little Common Business Association, as chairman Stuart Earl explained: "This is the fourth year that we have combined the switch-on of Christmas lights at the start of the festive season and the community carols. All three churches are invited to take part as well as the residents and the Little Common community.

"It's a feeling of keeping our community special. This is a special place to live, work and enjoy...and this event is just a small part of that."

The event was a first for Karen and Darren Jackson of Refurb and Ecofurb which opened on Barnhorn Road back in September.

Karen said: "It has been fantastic. The village has welcomed us warmly since we opened and we have really ejoyed working in the community. This is lovely. The Business Association works very hard to provide a lot for the community."

Out to watch the ceremony was Gillian Whitwell who commented: "It's great to see people out - we all get so comfortable in our homes when it gets to this time of day. When you come out it is nice to see so many people making the effort. There is such a community spirit here - it is a village, it has got things happening. We have lived here for three years, and I'd say it's the best thing we have ever done."