Published at 16:16, Thursday, 15 November 2012

By Ian DunstanTOUCHING down in Millom’s Market Square, a 20ft high fibre optic Christmas tree has found a new home – after lighting up Heathrow Airport last year.

HEATHR-OH CHRISTMAS TREE: Millom’s new Christmas tree being put up in Market Square with Councillor Reg Heathcote, left, and deputy mayor Brian Crawford. Left, a teacher hoists up a child from Millom Infants School for a better look

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With 750 twinkling and 250 static lights, organisers are hoping this year’s sparkling Christmas tree will help spread festive joy throughout the town.

Councillor Joan Hobbs has helped co-ordinate this year’s Christmas lights’ switch-on, on November 30.

A £1,000 donation from Sellafield has provided a welcome boost to this year’s switch-on, which will feature singers from Millom Partnership of Schools choir and will be covered by the Bay Radio.

Cllr Hobbs said: “The Christmas tree is a 20ft artificial one. It was in Heathrow Airport last year and this year it’s in Millom Market Square.

It has 750 twinkling lights and 250 static lights. I think it’s going to be brilliant.

“Once people have seen this and the effect they will be a bit more enthusiastic I hope. And next year we will look out for more sponsors.”

Haverigg Inshore Rescue will be bringing Santa on his sleigh to the switch on ceremony, which takes place between 5pm and 7pm.

The Christmas market will be held the following Saturday, December 8, which will include a Santa’s grotto.

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