The people and school children of Blackhall light their Christmas tree

There was another great turn out tonight for the annual ceremony to light the parish council Christmas tree at Chicken's Green in Blackhall Colliery.

The Christmas tree at Chicken's Green, Blackhall Colliery which was lit up this evening

The chairman of the parish council, Cllr Gaynor Crute, opened the event by introducing the children of Blackhall Colliery and St Joseph's primary schools who sang a selection of seasonal favourites.

Fr Jackson from St Joseph's RC church then offered a blessing for the tree before leading the children in a countdown to the formal lighting up of the tree.

Thanks go to the clerk, chairman and members 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. Thanks also go to Fr Jackson.

Tomorrow night it will be the turn of Hesleden school children and residents to switch on the Christmas tree lights in their village. Please gather on the green outside of Hesleden Methodist chapel at 4pm.