The people of Pewsey have come together to spread some Christmas cheer.

Earlier this year, local resident Valerie Ann Smart posted online that it would be nice if the village had their own Christmas tree this year.

The village typically holds a light switch on, by the Pewsey Carnival Committee (PCC). Local farmer and wife Muttley and Caroline Wells, of Totteridge Farm, got in touch with Phil Brady at the Pewsey Community Coronavirus Assistance group and kindly offered their own tree.

The couple had planted it 15 years ago when they had their very first Christmas together, and they are now planting lots of trees in its place.

Now that a free tree had been obtained, the local fire station, AG Builders and Whatley's came together to create a large concrete base for the tree and to make use of steel wiring to secure it with cherry pickers. Local residents Nigel Lihou and Pete Parsons, both members of PCC, then offered lights and put in some safety barriers.

Rachael Ross of PCCA did risk assessment and health and safety and volunteers from the aid group divvied up decorating duties between them. School groups also got involved in the Christmas tree project, by making their own decorations to adorn the tree.

The Little Lunchbox also sent round coffee and breakfast rolls for some of the volunteers on Saturday.

Valerie Ann Smart said: "PCCA have been brilliant!

"All through lockdown they've done everything and made things a lot easier. This is an amazing little village. Everyone's wanted this tree - a lot of people have been saying it, just that I vocalised it on Facebook.

"It's just brilliant we've got it. People have rallied round and given up their whole weekend to do this."

Local resident Emma Sims added:"It's exciting and something bright and happy. It's one of the best things that's happened in months."

Florence Sims, her young daughter, added: "I donated decorations for the tree - it makes me happy!"