WINSFORD’S first Tree of Lights ceremony was held as part of the annual carol concert at St John’s Church in Delamere Street on Thursday, December 12.

The event, hosted by the mayor’s chaplain Reverend George Crowder, allowed visitors to place stars dedicated to loved ones on a Christmas tree.

Dedications were read out as part of the ceremony, during which local singer Sam Lyon led a rendition of Silent Night.

The carol concert featured performances by Sam, Joelle Edwards and Megan Delaney with readings by town mayor, clr Mike Kennedy, deputy mayor, clr Gina Lewis and town clerk, Alan Warburton.

A collection in support of the mayor’s charities, St Luke’s Hospice and the Winsford Youth Forum, raised £82.

Clr Kennedy said: “The evening was an unmitigated success and the Tree of Lights ceremony was a really poignant occasion.

“The three girls who sang for us made last night a unique experience - I have heard that Megan’s rendition of Over the Rainbow had a few people close to tears.

“These young ladies gave up their time to support our carol concert and their generosity is typical of the vast majority of Winsford people.”