THE Aveley Christmas lights have been saved thanks to a Thurrock councillor and football club.

Aveley councillor, Ukip’s Tim Aker, has kindly stepped forward and donated the money needed to Aveley Forum to light up the village this year.

The Gazette recently reprted that the lights would stay off this year unless someone stepped forward to help. Enter Mr Aker.

MEP Tim Aker said: "I read the story about the lack of Christmas Lights, having grown up in Aveley I felt really sad about this news, so I am more than happy to support the Forum and provide the money to get us our lights.

“I said as a Councillor I would save my allowance and spend it on important community projects and I am happy to say, this is the first of several I will be announcing over the next few months."

Thurrock Football Club, who play in Aveley, has also stepped forward and will pay for the Christmas tree in the village.

Club Chairman Tommy South and partner Karen Keogh said they were delighted to support the Aveley Village Community Forum this year.

Mr South said: "When we heard that there was a lack of funding for the Aveley Christmas tree, we wanted to help. We are a family football club, we live in Aveley, some of our supporters and volunteers live in Aveley and we are very much part of the community. “We hope that all the residents of Aveley enjoy the Christmas tree and we hope everyone supports this year's festivities, including the lighting of the tree event on Wednesday, December 2."

Alan Field, the Forum Chair said, “We are delighted that, with the help of Tim and Thurrock Football Club, Aveley’s residents can celebrate Christmas in style. We are really grateful for the support and the demonstration that Aveley is a great and sharing community. We would also like to thank all our local press who highlighted our plight and encouraged these fantastic donations.”