VILLAGERS in Holt will have their first Christmas tree this year.

Alison Ward-Baptiste, landlady of the Tollgate Inn and friend Jackie Pritchard, have helped to raise £1,000 in five days and have bought a 22ft Christmas tree, base and lights.

Mrs Ward-Baptiste said: "This is the first year ever that the village has had a tree.

"We felt it would bring the community together at what is a special time of year."

Village businesses and residents donated plenty of money and the tree was put up on the village green on Wednesday.

It was placed in a special stand on the green and villagers will celebrate the festive season with a special candlelit carol concert on December 23 at 5pm.

"People have donated anything from £50 to 50 pence. We knocked on every door in the village and had a very positive response and now other people are starting to decorate their gardens and homes," said Mrs Ward-Baptiste, who hopes the tradition of the tree will continue for many years to come.