Bishop's Lydeard residents cover the village in Christmas lights

When Chris and Deb McKie moved to Bishop's Lydeard from London, they decided they wanted to move from the big city and live somewhere with a sense of community.

One Christmas, Chris decided to put lights on the almshouses in the village (which are opposite his house), and raised funds to do so through his popular event - Party in the Park.

He soon started to ask others to help, and two years ago, Bishop's Lydeard Parish Council agreed to help fund some of the lights.

As well as this, Steve Broom, who also lives in the village, supplied a beautiful Christmas Tree which sits next to the War Memorial in the centre of the village.

And over the years the lights have grown, and now there is a light-up star on top of the church.

"Chris is really passionate about bringing communities together and he wanted to create a sense of community in the village," said Deb.

"He would walk the streets and say 'imagine putting lights up there', and his dream was to have lights on top of the church - and now we have a star.

"If Chris has he way the whole village would be covered!

"What has been really nice, is that we have got to know people we wouldn't have spoken to without the lights.

"It started with me and Chris and before you know it we have had neighbours from up and down the street.

"For some people they aren’t going away for Christmas because of Covid, but the lights make you feel you are in a place where people are connected - they create a nice sense of belonging."

As well as the lights, Chris and Deb have organised Christmas carols around the tree on Christmas Eve.

And next year, the pair are planning to hold a Christmas Fair in the village as well.

"I think the lights will definitely be an ongoing project," added Deb.

"It would be great to have a group of people who are involved each year in the village too."