CHRISTMAS cheer has been restored in a West Devon village which had to remove its Christmas lights, thanks to a northern well-wisher and community support.

The Christmas tree on the village green in Meavy was decorated in festive lights attached to an electricity supply from a nearby private garage — the same format used for the annual village fair and for Christmas lighting in previous years.

But the cabling was suspended over a road and Devon County Council asked villagers to find another way of lighting the Christmas tree after a complaint was received by a resident concerned with safety.

A Devon County Council highways officer spoke to the Royal Oak pub landlord Stephen Earp to suggest a better way of lighting the tree.

A DCC spokesperson said: 'We are very happy for people to put up Christmas trees in their communities.

'In this case, a conversation with local residents was needed just to make sure the lights were safe following a call from concerned residents. We have suggested an alternative solution with the local pub landlord such as solar lights or a 12 volt battery to power the lights, and both agreed that this would be preferable.'

Since then, and having received a great deal of attention from media outlets and across social media platforms, villagers have bought solar powered lights and received a donation of solar lights from a company in Lancashire.

Mr Earp said: 'In all fairness Devon County Council had a complaint and they had their hands tied as we hadn't sought permission to suspend the cable above a public highway.

'But in our opinion there was nothing wrong with it, it was just one person spoiling it for the majority.

'I'm absolutely amazed at how much support we've had. It was quite a sad looking tree without any lights on it.

'We're hoping the solar lights will do the trick and put Christmas back on track. It's really nice people have made the offer to help.'

The tree was re-fitted with solar lights at the weekend and is back lighting up the village.

The donation of solar lights wasn't the only offer of help the village received. Mr Earp said two local electricians offered to supply and fit new cabling free of charge, but he said it would have been 'too much hassle' so far on in the month.

A group of villagers is now looking into the possibility of getting a power supply to the village green for future use.