THERE were congratulations all round when the mayor, Councillor Andrew Dyke, threw the switch to illuminate the Tree of Light in Evesham.

"It all went extremely well," said Rotary spokesman Bob Major. "We had 2,300 people there last Thursday and the atmosphere was excellent."

The Celebrations Reed and Brass Band played carols and John Luckhurst, Rotary president, welcomed everyone there.

He said it was a wonderful achievement that the people of Evesham continued to support the tree so well. He announced that already some £15,000 had been raised for charities, including St Richard's Hospice, well over last year's £12,000 figure. "It is staggering," he said.

Mr Luckhurst thanked the Journal for its continuing support.

The mayor said the Tree of Light was now as much a part of Evesham as any of the Christmas festivities. He congratulated Rotary on continuing to provide the Tree of Light. "It involves much hard work but it is well worth while," he said.

See next week's Journal for Tree of Light names.