What would Christmas be without a tree?

That was the prospect Harleston was facing this year until one of the town's shops stepped in.

When Glen Philpott and David Charles, directors of the Cornucopia vintage shop heard about the situation, they stepped in with their chequebook to sponsor the purchase, delivery and installation of a 20 feet high natural tree.

The tree, from Elveden Estates, which was installed on Thursday, November 17.

The tree cost £500, a sum Mr Charles said was well it to bring festive cheer to the town.

Mr Charles said: '£500 is not a lot to bring pleasure to everyone in the town.

'it was a no-brainer'.

Volunteer, Carol Wiles, who happened to mention in passing to Mr Philpott that the town would be without a tree this year, was overjoyed by their generosity.

She said: 'Can you imagine the town and the Christmas lights switch-on without a tree?

'I really do hope that everyone who gains pleasure from it will pop into Cornucopia and say thank you to Glen and David; they certainly deserve it'.

The town's Christmas lights switch-on will take place on Saturday, December 3.

There will be a parade of lanterns, carol singing, a dancing display and plenty more.

The group Too Many Cooks! will be singing old English festive songs, such as The Boar's Head Carol and Christmas Cake song.