Community banded together to get their own Christmas tree

A community helped bring the seasonal sparkle back to its streets after it banded together to get a Christmas tree.

People in Gawthorpe faced celebrating the festive period without a tree after Wakefield Council said it could not afford to buy one for the village.

The community took matters into their own hands and asked businesses for donations.

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Owl Lane Farm Nurseries in Ossett gave the group a 12ft tree, which has been put up on High Street, near the Shoulder of Mutton pub.

Families then decorated it with silver and red tinsel and baubles.

Samantha Howden, of Swithenbank Avenue, started a Facebook group to get Gawthorpe a Christmas tree.

She said: “I like a traditional Christmas and it would have been a shame not to have one.

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“The children enjoyed decorating it and it was nice to see everyone come together.”

Mrs Howden and her friend Terri Sykes set up a fundraising page to buy solar powered lights for the tree.

They have organised a carol service, which will take place by the tree tonight (Friday).

The Brick House Youth Club will perform and food has been donated by Paxman’s Bakery in Ossett.

Santa Claus will also be giving out selection boxes to the children.

For more information search Gawthorpe Maypole Xmas Carols on Facebook.