Twyford gets first tree

Melton Borough councillor Leigh Higgins and Martin Jinks were behind the idea after finding that nearby villages had their own trees but Twyford did not.

The lights were turned on by villager Sophie Westwood-Brown (4), who was very pleased that Santa will now know where to deliver the village children’s presents if he cannot get down their chimneys.

Villagers are looking forward to singing carols around the tree over the festive period, and are planning a bigger event next year with Santa as special guest.

Coun Higgins said: “Thankfully, good community spirit broke out and people came together to find solutions to the obstacles. Mr John Prigmore and Pete Dalton funded the tree, as well as getting us some power, and Mr Tim Maydwell sourced the tree, built the base and we had a professional on the electrical work.

“I would like to thank all those who got behind us to make this dream a reality.

“A Christmas tree has many symbols but this was one were the community got together to overcome the obstacles and now we have a focal point for residents and visitors to marvel at.”