LET THERE BE LIGHTS! TOWN SWITCHES ON
Seaham hit the road last night as Christmas came to town.
The town staged a series of switch-on ceremonies for each of its Christmas trees, starting off on Terrace Green.
“We have got some amazing Christmas trees – two on Terrace Green, one in Byron Place and two in Church Street,” said deputy town clerk Paul Fletcher.
Mayor of Seaham Coun Sonia Forster did the honours.
Meanwhile, Little Lucas Wilkins switched on the lights in Ryhope.
Lucas, who will be two in March, was born with brain cancer neuroblastoma and has associated health problems.
Mum Rebecca Craike said: “My cousin Leanne Milne just said she wanted to do something nice for him, so she got in touch with Ryhope Community Spirit.
“He’s not really old enough to get excited in advance, but he has loved lights ever since he was a baby, so he will love it.”
In Durham, the switchon honours were performed by the cousins of six-year-old Bradley Lowery.
Bradley turned on the lights last year and this time the honour went to his cousins Jorja Stonebank, aged eight, seven-year- old Lasey and six-year- old Harley Jay.
The children were joined by Durham County Council’s chairman Councillor Bill Kellett, who said: “Bradley was such an inspiring boy and I know he really enjoyed turning the Christmas lights on.
“Wherever he went he made everyone smile. This year I was happy to switch the Christmas lights on with his cousins in his memory.”
“He has loved lights ever since he was a baby” REBECCA CRAIKE