The 50 feet Christmas tree in the front garden is ready to be lit up with lights

A couple whose giant Christmas tree has become a popular crowd-pleaser have praised the public for their continued support of the charity at the annual lighting ceremony.

Avril and Chris Rowlands planted the now 50ft tree in the front garden of their home in Inkborough, near Worcester, after purchasing it from their local garden center in 1978.

Around 200 people are expected to attend the lights switch-on from 18:30 GMT which will see the tree illuminated with 1,000 lights.

Mrs Rowlands said the annual event has raised more than £25,000 for many different charities since its inception.

Ms Rowlands said money raised from this year’s event will be donated to Midlands Air Ambulance.

“Last year we raised £800 in cash on the night,” he said.

“This is all a huge operation and in January, it’s all going to be turned upside down.”

The tree, which towers high above the houses on the street, is decorated every year with the help of a cherry-picker device to reach the higher branches.

The bulbs will be lit throughout Christmas until January 6, when the decorations will be taken down and put into storage boxes for the next year.

“It takes your breath away,” Mr Rowlands said of the tree.

He said the switch-on fun will also feature fireworks and refreshments.

For some people in the village, “this is the beginning of their Christmas,” he added.

“Now people are coming in who say they remember seeing the lights as children and now they are bringing their child.

“It’s a celebration. People really appreciate it.”