WITH gales and rain sweeping across the hills seemingly every other day over the Christmas period, it was not an ideal time for decorating gas lamp standards.

Despite that, no fewer than 10 of West Malvern’s 25 lamps – many more than for last year’s inaugural competition – were decked out in various kinds of festive garb, not all of which were blown away by the time the judges visited on Boxing Day.

The overall prize went to the Nash family of Walden Cottage for the lamp on the Lower Dingle green – which sadly may not have been seen by many people. Most creative effort was adjudged to be the Dingle Angel put up by the Smith family of 257 West Malvern Road on the Upper Dingle track.

Four other entries were highly commended: Diana Morgan of Tannachie (Harcourt Road); Susan Raine of Newsholme (Harcourt Road); Helen Barker and Jackie Gribble of Glen Cottage and Gardeners Cottage (below Brewers Arms); and the Richards family (outside Adelaide House).

COLIN JACKSON 01684 577604