Hardy villagers gathered to enjoy a glass of mulled wine, listen to carols and watch this year's Christmas lights turn-on at Batford corner tonight.

Despite frosty temperatures and soggy footings, dozens of residents watched as the lights on the village Christmas tree were switched on by mayor of Harpenden, Pat Kent.

Saxophonists from Sir John Lawes School set the backdrop, playing Christmas carols, while the Batford Boys Club organised a tombola and The Malta pub provided the mulled wine and a buffet.

The lights were funded by local businesses and organised by the Batford Community Action Group.

For the first time lights will this year illuminate the trees outside the Co-op supermarket, on Lower Luton Road, and Chris Grey, chairman of the action group, says he is hopeful the village could have even more lights next year.

He said: “This is just to raise the profile of Batford really.

“For too long the village was forgotten about and a few years ago we got together to get a bit more going on in the village.”

The group has already managed to get football pitches reinstated in the village and is hoping to refurbish a playground in Porters Hill Park.

Chris added: “Until we started doing this the village didn't have a Christmas tree, we didn't have any lights so we just tried to get people to help improve the area.”

Local councillor, Rosemary Farmer, said she was delighted the evening had brought the community together.

She said: “I think it is very important for the whole community of Batford to have its own identity and to bring everyone together at this time of year.”

She added: “It brings people of all ages together and I am particularly pleased we have got some lights in the trees because they look marvellous.

“It has been a jolly good evening and everyone has thoroughly enjoyed themselves.”