PEWSEY firefighters helped put the sparkle into Christmas when they held a concert to herald in the switching on of the village’s festive lights.

Pewsey Male Voice Choir and Santa himself made sure it was an evening to remember at Pewsey Fire Station before the whole village was lit up to mark its start to the Christmas season.

A spokesman for Pewsey fire station said: “A Massive thank you from all the firefighters at Pewsey fire station to a great crowd of carol singers at Pewsey fire stations carol service.

“Thank you to Pewsey male voice choir and to Pewsey Co-op and Pewsey Spar for their very generous donations of mince pies and mulled wine.”

Money raised on the evening went to the Firefighters Association.

Among those who enjoyed the evening was Myrna McBride who said: “Thank you to all involved.

“Also to the team who set up Christmas lights in and around the river. Pewsey runs on volunteers. There was also a team out picking up litter.”

The choir said it was a privilege to take part and thanked the firefighters for the work they do for the community all year round.

Pewsey firefighters also held an evening to thank employers who allow their staff to become retained crew which often means they have to respond quickly during usual working hours.

Watch manager Mark Hillier said: “This event was a opportunity for the firefighters of Pewsey to show their gratitude in being released from their primary employment to assist the community in an emergency.”

Pewsey Firefighters have raised money for a rain shelter for the village football club.

Mr Hillier said “ This is our way of saying thank you to the community for always supporting the firefighters at Pewsey station.”