The chairman of the parish council, Cllr Gaynor Crute, welcomed everyone to the event by introducing the staff and pupils from Hesleden Primary School who, despite the freezing cold, turned out in their numbers to entertain residents gathered around the tree. A selection of Christmas carols was closely followed by the countdown to the tree lighting.
As ever, thanks go to the clerk, staff and members of Monk Hesleden Parish Council for organising the Christmas tree lighting ceremony, along with Rev Susan Richardson and Eileen Fallow from Hesleden Methodist chapel for opening their doors to welcome residents inside after the ceremony.
However a very special thank you goes to the staff and pupils of Hesleden Primary School for their magnificent carol singing which truly got the festive season underway!
