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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Damien Edgar

Co Tyrone village to shine after 10 years without Christmas lights

A Co Tyrone woman says Christmas lights being brought back her local village for the first time in 10 years will provide a bit of cheer for local people.

Maire Rodgers has been involved in efforts to raise funds to bring back the lights to the village of Beragh, as they don't receive any public funding.

And after nearly a decade without any lights, the rural village of Beragh is set to light up again next month and really kickstart Christmas.

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"We've had people commenting and saying that we really should have lights and I suppose the inspiration just came from that and the people of Beragh," said Maire.

"It's been very difficult the past few years and with the economic crisis, we just thought it'd be nice to have something to cheer people up a bit.

"The council, unfortunately, doesn't provide any lights outside of the main towns, so the likes of Omagh and Enniskillen, but when it comes to the smaller towns, we're a bit neglected, unfortunately."

That didn't stop people in the village from looking at other ways to raise the money needed to have the town in full Christmas garb though.

"We've been raising money a few ways, we did a fireside quiz, then we wrote letters to local businesses asking them to donate as well," Maire said.

"The response has been great, there's been a lot of support behind it and we're nearly at our target of about £10,000."

As with most Christmas traditions, it will all revolve around the most excited group of people at this time of year.

"We're going to have a switching on and it'll be very children-orientated as well," she added.

"We'll have Santa there and a carol service and food and that for people coming down.

"It's very much geared towards the children, they'll get to actually switch on the lights and we're thinking of December 2 for that.

"It'll be great to see them in all their glory, it's been a long time coming."

The fundraiser for the Christmas lights drive can be found here.

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