Stokesley Town Council has been able to erect a 36 foot Christmas tree this year on West Green thanks to a donation from the Stokesley Masonic Hall and the offer from local firm HMH Civils, who sent a machine and workers to install the tree for free.

The chairman of Stokesley Town Council, Graham Sowerby, expressed his appreciation for the support given, both in time and money.

HMH – Hughes May Hammond – and the firm’s boss John Hughes and his employees give a lot of support to charities. The 14-metre telehandler used to put the tree in place is otherwise hired out, with all the income generated being donated to four charities – Cancer Research, Breast Cancer, British Heart Foundation and a charity of the hirer’s choice.

Mr Hughes said that in a few years’ time they would auction the telehandler off for charity as well and would hopefully enable them to make a combined donation of more than £100,000.

It took about two hours to get the tree fully installed, and the helpers were very grateful for the warming cups of tea and coffee provided by West Green resident, Ruth Goodison.