Christmas spirit in a living tree

JOB well done planting the new tree at Greenfield

Festive spirit came early for residents in Greenfield as they gathered to plant a living Christmas tree in the village.

Spades at the ready, youngsters from St Mary’s, Friezland and Greenfield primary schools were eager to play their part in the efforts to spruce up the village in time for Christmas.

It is the first tree of its kind for the village, which will be permanently in place at the land in Chew Valley Road.

Members of Greenfield Street Scene group hope that the tree will become a village landmark, lit up with twinkling lights every December.

With a little help from Oldham Council’s parks department, locals cheered as the 11ft tree was put in place.

Peter Lowe, Street Scene co-ordinator, said: “At the moment it looks small in comparison to last year’s tree, but this one will grow year on year.

“We want children to have sense of ownership and responsibility, not just of their homes but of the village.

“It’s certainly a brilliant milestone for Greenfield.”