A TYNE Valley village has come together to spread festive cheer and raise money for charity.

The Light up Wylam campaign was the brainchild of residents Anna Allan and Sarah Grainger.

Along with their daughters Evie Moffet and Anna Grainger, and their friend Jane Hutchinson, they have encouraged shops and homes in the village to put up festive decorations, with prizes for the best looking displays.

The 15ft Christmas tree at Charlie's Corner will also be adorned with homemade decorations from youngsters in the village, again with prizes on offer.

Finally, a lights of Wylam Quiz has been created with a prize for the winner.

All the information is included in the Light up Wylam programme, which was designed by villager Toby Vaughan-Watkins, free of charge.

The £5 cost of the programmes will go to Fairshare North East, which distributes unused supermarket food to worthy causes across the region.

Anna said: "It wasn't just about Christmas lights, it's about trying to brighten people's spirits and bring back some good old fashioned community spirit, and raise some money for charity at the same time."

A "big switch on" is scheduled for December 13. Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/team/teamlightupwylam.