Residents of Newbottle are set to feel extra festive this year, after the village secured its first ever community Christmas tree.
The securing of the giant 30ft tree is the result of years of campaigning by local councillors, volunteers from St. Matthew’s church and residents.
As one of the few areas of the city never to have had its own tree, their efforts have finally paid dues with the tree now erected on the edge of the Newbottle Conservation Area, adjacent to the Sun Inn.
Residents are also being invited to come together for the official switching on of the lights, which will take place on 1 December, with festive activities and refreshments also being provided by the church post-event.
The tree has been funded by Sunderland City Council’s Coalfield Area Committee following a request from local councillors.
Cllr Kevin Johnston, Labour councillor for Copt Hill Ward, said: “I am thrilled to announce that, after years of campaigning, we have finally secured our very own Christmas tree for Newbottle.
“It will really help get the community into the Christmas spirit this year and can’t wait to see the community come together for the switching on of the lights.
“We’d also like to extend a special thanks to the volunteers from St. Matthew’s for helping secure the tree and putting on activities and refreshments, as well as all of the residents who have helped us.
“It’s been a real community effort and we are absolutely thrilled to finally have secured it for the community. Hopefully we can really make it one to remember for Newbottle.”
The countdown to the switching on of the lights will take place at 5pm however residents are being advised to arrive from 4:45pm to avoid missing out.