TRADITIONAL Christmas celebrations were enjoyed by villagers of Affetside.

The community gathered round the Christmas tree on the village green on Sunday evening to sing carols and enjoy mince pies and mulled wine.

Bury Mayor Coun Wilf Davison switched on the lights and David Chaytor MP and local councillors were also invited to enjoy the early Christmas celebrations.

Joanne Wilcock, chairman of the Affetside Society, said: "We feel that the village has had to work especially hard at maintaining a sense of community since the closure of the local school. We first held our carols around the tree with the villagers, schoolchildren and their families last year and have now decided it should become a wonderful Affetside tradition which brings people together at this festive time."

Pictured hitting the right note are (from left) Charlotte Good (14), Harriet Brown (13), and Fern Kelly (14).