HUNDREDS of residents in a Blaenau Gwent village turned out to watch the switch on of the Christmas tree lights.

Brynithel Village doesn’t normally have its own tree but it was made possible this year by the hard work of residents, groups and businesses.

The Brynithel Activities Group (BAG) discussed the possibility of having a village Christmas tree last January but were met with a host of problems including where to safely put the tree and how to cover the cost of it

However with support from organisations, businesses, councillors and community support officers the idea was turned into a reality last week. A sponsored walk , raffle and a ‘buy a light’ campaign helped raise funds towards the cost of the tree.

The lights came on in front of 400 people who sang Christmas carols accompanied by the Abertillery Brass Band Assemble.

But Graham Sweet, BAG member said a mild winter in Norway meant the living tree originally destined for Brynithel could not be uprooted and a replacement had to purchased locally.