A COMMUNITY banded together to ensure that their area was lit up with a festive display in what a group leader called a story of "knights in shining armour".

Several residents from Over Hulton each played a part in lighting up their shopping precinct, in a project run by the local Over Hulton community group.

Local resident Karl Price has an electrical contracting business, which meant he was able to step in and sort out the electrics.

John Bullen, who leads the community group, said: "It has been a story of knights in shining armour. It was a lovely project to be involved in. We had the idea a while ago of when we could do it but only properly started looking in the past couple of months.

"The businesses were delighted to help. We got a quotation of £1460 to get the lights fitted. But then Karl had said to me two or three times, if you need me, just give me a shout. About half an hour later, he had a look and said 'leave it with me'.

"He only charged us for the materials and not the labour. Loads of people love the display and have been commenting on our Facebook group. It looks so brilliant.

Karl said: "Basically, [John] said that he had a really big quote for everything. So, I decided to help the community.

"I'm from the area, I know everyone and I wanted to give something back. A lot of communities aren't close anymore now in a lot of areas and that's a problem."

The lights for the display were provided by Vinny Russell, who retained several Christmas lights when he sold his shop and donated them to the cause.

John added that Dave Hammond also played a part in the community effort.

The group can now look forward to a further display next year, as Karl also designed the connections on the lights so others can be added.