MEMBERS of a parish council have praised villagers who helped organise and attended a Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

Middleton St George Parish Council heard that the lighting event went extremely well.

There was also a carol concert and celebrations in the village's community centre.

Coun Maggie Beadle said she thoroughly enjoyed the event.

She said: "I always thought when I came to the village that there wasn't any community spirit, but now were really getting a community spirit.

"There was a really large crowd there and the kids were brilliant."

The council agreed to donate £100 to Darlington Youth Brass Band and £40 to the Round Table for helping with the event.