With Christmas only weeks away residents of Burley have been rallying round to help to decorate their village.

But the community council needs more volunteers to put up the lights and it is also making a last minute appeal for a Christmas tree.

For the last five years a tree has been donated by the Round Table, but this year they are unable to provide one and an appeal has gone out for a 25-30 ft specimen.

Community Council member Tom Sumner said the village was simply unable to afford the £1,000 needed to buy one and he appealed for help in finding a decorative centrepiece.

He said: "We actually planted two trees in the village five years ago but they are not sufficiently tall to use yet.

"If anybody out there has got one or could help get one then please get in touch."

Volunteers started putting the lights up last Saturday and helpers are wanted for the next three Saturdays to complete the work.

Mr Sumner said: "The dedicated team of volunteers grows every year, but if you feel you would like to help, even for an hour or so, please do come along around 9am at the bottom of Station Road.

"Anyone is welcome to help young or old, male or female."

The community council is also looking for a volunteer Santa to take centre stage when the lights are switched on at the end of November.

Anyone who can help should contact Tom Sumner on 01943 862940.

Meanwhile the community council has expressed its thanks to a new set of volunteers who have helped to tidy up the village.

Twelve members of the Mormon church at Menston helped BCC members Tom Sumner and Mike Walker remove 20 bags of rubbish from the village.