A BUSINESS owner and ward councillor have worked together to ensure a Bournemouth town is lit with Christmas lights this festive season.

Last year, the Christmas lights for Winton were cancelled and the council decided not to install them anymore.

Now with some help from a businessman hoping to give back to the community, the Winton Christmas lights have officially returned.

Karl Payne, director of Forge Garages in Winton said: “Christmas is a special time for everybody to start unwinding, get together with the family and friends.

"I've grown up for many years with all the colourful lights everywhere and just lifts everyone’s spirits.

"Last year, Winton and other local areas were in decline like a lot of areas and it was so dark and dismal.

"So I thought, I've gone to school in Winton, I lived in Winton, I got a business in Winton and I thought it's about time that I gave something else back to the community."

The Winton Christmas lights have now officially been installed today (November 25). 

Karl managed to catch a glimpse of the lights going up while on the way to work, he added: “When I drove down there this morning and saw the cherry picker putting the lights up, I thought it was amazing.

"What a result. As soon as they’re officially lit, I'm sure that everybody’s spirits will rise because we need it in the local community.”

Ward Councillor for Winton, Cllr Chris Rigby said: “I'm pleased to be able to assist Karl in his goal of getting Christmas lights back into Winton.

"Since the cuts last year and the ongoing budget problems I know BCP Council will be unable to fund them again in the near future, so being able to support a local business with this community initiative is a pleasure.

“I hope we can build from here and make the display even better next year. This is the very definition of community action and Karl deserves a lot of praise for his work on this.

“I'd also love to speak with anyone from our community in Winton who has other ideas of how we can work together  to improve Winton East for everyone.”