GRAYSHOTT is now illuminated for Christmas after the official lighting up ceremony last Friday evening.

Retired fireman Neil Hewson had the honour of giving the signal for the lights to come alive, banishing the dark winter nights along the Headley Road and adorning both the village greens.

In keeping with the village tradition, there were also free carousel rides for children in The Square.

Neil has lived in the village for more than 50 years and after serving for nearly 30 at Grayshott Fire Station, he marked his retirement two years ago by donating £500 to the Grayshott Illumination Group (GIG) fundraising appeal.

The lights now have a more energy efficient LED system with a longer life span thanks to donations from residents, community groups and businesses, amounting to around £18,000 over the last two years.

Money is also being raised ensure future maintenance and replacement of the lights as needed.

Those who give £500 or more to the new LED light display become members of the Grayshott Christmas Monkey Club.

GIG chairman Dick Smith said: “All the money was raised by local people and businesses, so it was raised for the village, from the village.”

After the ceremony 30 Monkey Club members and guests sat down to a meal at The Bay Leaf restaurant in Crossways Road, as a thank-you for their support courtesy of owner Bishnu Kharel.

The village Christmas tree will go up in The Square on Sunday in time for the next Christmas event, which is the Grayshott Market on Saturday, December 5.

There will also be carols in The Square on Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24.