No end in sight for huge Inkberrow Christmas tree tradition

The tree in the Rowlands' garden is now more than 50ft (15m) tall

A couple whose giant Christmas tree has become an annual festive landmark will keep the tradition going "as long as we can".

The tree was planted by Avril and Chris Rowlands at their home in Inkberrow, near Worcester, in 1978.

After 45 years, it stands at just over 50ft (15m) tall and needs more than 1,000 lights to decorate it.

They raised more than £1,000 for a local charity via well-wishers this year, and plan "more of the same".

Traditional bulbs, bought from the nearby Severn Valley Railway, were used to decorate the tree with help from a cherry-picker.

When they were switched on earlier this month, a crowd turned out for the event, which included fireworks.

The money raised this year will be donated to Caring Hands in the Vale, which helps people who are homeless or on low incomes.

"All being well, there will be more of the same next year - we'll keep going as long as we can," Mr Rowlands said.

The tree was planted by the Rowlands at their home in 1978

The bulbs will remain lit until Twelfth Night when they will be switched off and then taken down.

"We will take all bottom ones down first, then the cherry picker... comes for the others," Mr Rowlands explained.

"I probably spend a week or 10 days repairing the damage then store them carefully in the loft.

"But when we get them out again, not all of them work, like your Christmas lights at home, so we have to go through them carefully."