A couple's first Christmas tree they planted in 1978 now stands 50ft tall and attracts thousands of people to their festive lights switch-on. <br /><br />Avril and Christopher Rowlands paid £6 for the fir which they put in their new home in the pretty village of Inkberrow, Worcs.<br /><br />After enjoying their first Christmas in 1978, the couple planted the tree outside in the front garden.<br /><br />Over the years it has steadily grown and it now towers over their four-bedroom detached property – measuring a whopping 50ft (15.24m).<br /><br />Each December the couple decorate their giant fir with thousands of fairy lights which they switch on for the villagers.<br /><br />The tree is so tall a cherry picker is used to reach the top branches and add the star to the top.<br /><br />The lit tree is one of the brightest landmarks in Inkberrow - which is one of UK’s darkest villages on account of there being no street lights.<br /><br />Avril and Christopher’s fir now attracts thousands of people who view their tree every December and it even stars in a new children’s book.<br /><br />Retired TV writer Avril, 78, who penned the book, said: “It’s amazing to think that when we first bought the tree in 1978 we brought it home on the roof of my Mini.<br /><br />“We decided to plant the tree outside our window to mark our first Christmas in our new home.<br /><br />“Since then the tree has just shot up and is now an unofficial landmark in the village.<br /><br />“We love doing the Christmas lights. The tree can be seen from miles around on clear nights and people flock to see it.<br /><br />“It’s become something of a tradition for people in the village and beyond.<br /><br />“It even inspired me to write a children’s book about the tree called The Laxford House Christmas Tree.<br /><br />“It’s gone wild in the village. With the sale of the book, the tree has spanned generations in the village."<br /><br />Retired BBC editor Christopher, 79, said: “The tree is really special. <br /><br />"During Covid, we didn’t do the switch-on but it was lit. It was a like a beacon of hope. We are so grateful for the help we receive every year to light it up.<br /><br />"It's become something of an annual tradition and long may it continue."<br /><br />The couple ask for people who admire the lights to make a donation and over the years they have raised thousands of pounds for charity.<br /><br />This year the couple are raising money for a local charity which provides a foodbank for people struggling and shelter for the homeless.<br /><br />The couple cut down on their own electricity bill by having the lights switched on for just two hours each night.
