COCKERTON’S sparkling Christmas tree stands as a celebration of community effort and festive goodwill.

The centre piece of the village’s festivities was lit up on Saturday night during an evening of entertainment enjoyed by hundreds.

People of all ages gathered to see reality TV star Francis Jones – aka ‘Rentacop’ – turn on Cockerton’s Christmas lights.

The Sparta Security boss ushered in the festivities accompanied by music from the Cockerton Prize Silver Band, who performed throughout the event.

Youngsters were invited to take part in crafty sessions hosted by Cockerton Library as businesses around the village opened late and joined in the fun, serving up mulled wine and showcasing their windows, decorated for the season.

The event marks the second year since the Cockerton Community and Business Group decided to reintroduce an annual celebration and Christmas tree to the village, in the hope of boosting festive spirit in the area.

Fundraising and the support of local businesses helped to fund Cockerton’s Christmas transformation and to provide the evening of festive fun.

Kay Sandham, from the CCBG, said: “There were so many people who pulled together to make this happen.

“It was a bit ‘Vicar of Dibley’ sometimes as we were doing everything ourselves so it didn’t always run smoothly and we were holding our breath a bit for the lights coming on.

“But it went brilliantly and there was a great atmosphere, we had about 500 people there and it was a good community event.

“The charity shops stayed open and offered mulled wine and the cafes and restaurants were open too, with some really great Christmas displays in windows.

“The library held craft sessions and they were absolutely a glittering success – I can say that literally because I’ve never seen so many people coming out of the library covered in glitter.”

She said that the event formed part of the group’s efforts to improve the community, adding: “It has been quite tough going over the past couple of years but we are making steps forward and I think we are improving things and making the village more community focused.

"It was really nice having Francis Jones there, he was just lovely."

The Christmas tree will be lit up between 6am and 8.30am and 2.30pm until 11.30pm each day throughout the festive season.