Community spirit in two Dudley streets is ensuring Covid won’t beat Christmas this year.

Led by Dave and Sue Coyne the residents of Bird Street and Wood Road in Lower Gornal have arranged their own Christmas lights switch on to replace the usual celebrations cancelled by lockdown.

But there’s more Christmas cheer with a special tree being delivered, music, mulled wine and Santa delivering selection boxes for all the children.

All, of course, carefully socially distanced.

The residents of the two streets came together during the first lockdown, initially for the Clap for Carers and organising bingo.

That community spirit has continued through VE day celebrations and now all the Christmas planning.

Between 60 and 80 houses in the two roads are expected to take part in a switch off/switch on celebration.

At 5.50 pm on Saturday (November 28) people are being asked to shut off their lights and then turn them on at 6pm all together to light up Christmas.

Special outside lights aren’t necessary, but some people are decking the front of the house, and others are putting small trees in their gardens.

“It’s been a really good community effort which has carried on since first lockdown,” said Stuart Atkiss.