VILLAGERS in Cookhill and Studley celebrated a brighter Christmas this year thanks to electricity distribution company Central Networks.

Parish council officials in Studley received a £2,500 grant from the company, which is part of E.ON UK, to place lights outside the village hall, library and along High Street for the first time.

Cookhill was awarded £1,000, which helped purchase and decorate a sustainable Christmas tree outside the village hall.

Central Networks originally pledged £20,000 through its Christmas lights and decorations fund to eight councils. After receiving more than 400 applications, this was boosted to £25,000 so more communities benefited.

Central Networks customer operations manager Phil Wilson said: "This was a new initiative for us this year, and it was heartening to receive so many applications. The spirit of Christmas is obviously very much alive in the Midlands."

Studley Parish Council clerk Dorothy Mitchell said: "We are absolutely delighted. Without Central Networks' help we would not have been able to afford any lights at all. With their support, Studley will have Christmas lights for the first time this year."

And Cookhill village hall spokesman Eileen Payne said: "We're all thrilled. The beautiful decorations are a tribute to everyone who helped towards the hall's massive renovation."