There was another fantastic turn out this evening when the parish council Christmas tree was lit up at Chicken's Green in Blackhall Colliery.
Cllr Gaynor Crute, chairman of the parish council, opened the event by introducing the children of Blackhall Colliery and St Joseph's primary schools who sang a selection of Christmas carols.
Father Ian Jackson from St Joseph's RC church then offered a blessing for the tree before leading the children in a countdown to the formal illumination ceremony.
Many thanks go to the clerk, chairman, members and staff of Monk Hesleden Parish Council, along with the pupils and staff from both Blackhall Colliery and St Joseph's primary schools for their annual involvement in this ceremony which grows each year in popularity.
Tomorrow evening it will be the turn of Hesleden school and residents to switch on their Christmas tree lights. Please gather on the green opposite the Methodist chapel at 4pm.
