LOCAL people are all set for a brighter Christmas - thanks to festive lights which have been switched on in Meltham and Outlane.
Carols round the Christmas tree brought festive magic to Meltham last night.
The now-yearly tree-lighting ceremony held at St Bartholomew's Church involved pupils from Meltham C of E School, visitors from Meltham Moor Primary School and Helme C of E School.
Staff and parents also attended the ceremony, which began at dusk.
A community effort has led to Outlane having a Christmas tree this year.
And head chef at the village's Old Golf House Hotel, Gavin Skalzkowski, switched the tree lights on.
The village had one paid for by Yorkshire Water until about four years ago when the funding was withdrawn.
But that stirred resident Elaine Caudwell into action.
She said: "After the Yorkshire Water funding was withdrawn we did not have a Christmas tree that year and it was so drab. I vowed that would not happen again."
Elaine now collects donations from businesses and individuals in the village to raise the £450 needed each year to ensure the village has a tree.
The Old Golf House Hotel in the village made a substantial donation, so Gavin was invited to switch the lights on.
Outlane Bowling Club put on mince pies and refreshments for villagers after the ceremony and carol-singing around the tree.
