VILLAGERS came together to welcome the start of the festive season by lighting up a Christmas tree.

Residents of Middleton St George gathered to watch local children Lucy White, seven, and Thomas Atherton, nine, join the village’s oldest resident, Winnie Hall, who turned 102 last week, to perform the switch on.

Lucy and Thomas, who attend St George’s Academy, were chosen to help with the switch on after each winning a Brave Heart award for their courage while battling serious illnesses.

After the switch on, the celebrations moved to the community centre where the children enjoyed a puppet show and mini disco, while the adults enjoyed mince pies.

Parish chairman and ward councillor Doris Jones said: “It went exceptionally well, the children were wonderful. I think it’s been the biggest turnout we’ve had since we started having a Christmas tree four years ago.

“It’s the start of the festive season for the whole village.”