Little Common lights up

The event, organised by Little Common Business Association, went without a hitch, making it the best lit and best presented area of the town.

A large crowd turned out to support the switch-on and the carol singing from year four pupils at Little Common School.

They created a festive and lively atmosphere with their singing outside St Martha's Church, accompanied by the Royal British Legion Brass Band.

In the presence of Father Christmas, parents and grandparents,

chairman of the business association Roy Freeman said the success of the event was down to the members who had put in time to prepare the event.

"Last Sunday we had eight people putting the lights up on the roundabout and the trees on all the shop fronts.

"People gave their time despite the awful weather." said Roy, who along with other association members had the duty of handing out mince pies at last week's celebrations.

The huge Christmas tree on the central roundabout was lit courtesy of Matt Heasmer and Carl Beadle of MC Glass.

They sponsored the tree this year as a thank-you to customers and local residents.

"We wanted to sponsor the tree this year because the village has supported us over the seven and a half years we have been here.

"This is us giving something back." said Carl.