The tiny village that lights up every year for Christmas

A ROCKET lit up the night skies before the small village of Eathorpe was illuminated for Christmas once again.

Around 2,000 people gathered in the village, which has now become known for its festive extravagangza that raises thousands of pounds for charity every year.

Graham Peck, one of the organisers, said: “It was fantastic. It was cold but very clear, so when we launched the rocket, it was amazing - it lit up the sky.”

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Some 40 houses wired up Christmas lights and were ‘switched on’ simultaneously by BBC Midlands Today presenter Mary Rhodes. Decorations can also be found at the village’s post boxes and telephone kiosk - and even the bus shelter houses a nativity scene.

Father Christmas handed out gifts at his grotto, outside of which mulled wine and hot food were being sold. Some £1,800 was raised, through donations and proceeds from stalls and food sales, for the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance, Myton Hospices and Eathorpe village hall.

The lights will stay on until the village beer festival in January.