CHRISTMAS celebrations in Welland came under threat when villagers found they had no way to decorate their 22-foot fir tree.

The day was saved when inclusive broadband provider Airband stepped in with a cherry picker to help replace the lighting.

The Worcestershire-based company's engineers Shaun Rees, Liam Hutton and Luke Gibson helped Mick Davies, chairman of Little Malvern and Welland Parish Council, bring the spirit of Christmas to the heart of the village.

Speaking as the decorations were being hoisted onto the tree by the village hall, Clive Leworthy, community engagement manager at Airband, said: “We take our work in country communities seriously.

"When we’re not installing superfast broadband, we do what we can to help people’s everyday lives.

"I hope the people of Welland can enjoy the festive period a little more with new lights on the village's Christmas tree.”

Mr Davies said: "It was a very generous gesture on their part.

"It's a big tree and the people responsible for putting the lighting up are a bit old for climbing up seven-metre ladders these days!

"So it was very kind of them to offer their services."