A COMMUNITY has signalled its determination to come together in spirit for the festive season, despite having to stay physically apart.

Residents, businesses and community groups in Haughton, Darlington have clubbed together to fund the first festive illuminations on trees on the conservation area’s green. Alongside personal donations, contributors have included Banks Group, Salters Convenience Store, Secret Garden Nursery, Haughton Residents Association, YM Autocare, Vane House, No 58 hairdressers, Darlington BM, Hole In The Wall and Be Beautiful Beauty Therapies.

Haughton councillor Nick Wallis said there had been interest in the initiative from other areas of the borough, adding: “It’s been a challenging and gloomy year for many of us. We thought as the green is the centre of our community this would make people smile and it has.

“There are some brilliant businesses on the green, so the lights lift things up for them too. Residents working together has always been a feature in Haughton, but I think Covid has accentuated the sense of community spirit.”