A FESTIVE fundraising effort will see a Christmas tree erected in the centre of a busy Darlington suburb for what is believed to be the first time.

This year, shoppers and residents in Cockerton will be able to enjoy the sight of a large Christmas tree and decorations close to its parade of shops.

The planned display is the result of a community clubbing together to spread a touch of festive cheer.

Local business owners and others have supported months of fundraising in a bid to gather the £3,000 needed to put a Christmas tree on public display for everyone passing through Cockerton to enjoy.

The project was spurred into action by the Cockerton Community and Business Group, a collective of community representatives and business leaders devoted to improving and promoting the area.

Secretary Kay Sandham said: “We’ve organised quite a lot of fundraising events since we started about a year ago.

“Recently, we decided to concentrate on getting an electricity supply put in at the front of the parade of shops so that we can get a tree up.

“Hopefully, now that’s in place, we’re going to be able to do this for years to come.

“We’ve had loads of support and the community has really worked together and thought it was a nice idea to do.

“Cockerton’s got a village feel about it but as far as we know, there’s never been a tree put up at Christmas and people are excited about it.

“We feel it’s something very worthwhile and it may help to bring people in and give a boost to the area in other ways.

“It’s great to do something to benefit the community and it has been lovely seeing people work alongside each other.

“It has really brought the community together.”

The festivities in Cockerton will begin when eight-year-old schoolboys Mitchell Tinkler and Kyle Forster – who both have Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy – officially light the Christmas tree on Monday, December 1.

The tree will be lit at 6.30pm but from 5pm until 7pm, businesses, shops, pubs and the library will be open and hosting a variety of festive activities. There will also be entertainment from the Cockerton Prize Silver Band and the Vocal Collective choir.