IT'LL be 'jingle all the way' in Kinver this Christmas after generous villagers rallied to donate funds for a Big Tree within hours of an online campaign being launched.

Kinver Country Fayre organisers, who have paid for the village's festive Big Tree and switch-on celebration for the past five years, had decided to skip Christmas this year and conserve funds for next year's summer fayre instead after floods in June forced a costly reschedule of the fun day, which raises thousands for good causes.

But in a heartwarming show of seasonal generosity, villagers have dug deep and managed to raise more than the £1,500 needed to cover the cost of the tree - after community-spirited country fayre committee member Andy Calloway launched a last-minute crowdfunding campaign.

Within less than 24 hours of the online appeal being launched on Crowdfunder.co.uk on Sunday - the money had been raised to pay for the tree, its delivery and installation, to ensure the High Street sparkles once again.

Andy said: “We were so disappointed not to have been able to give the tree to the village this year, so we appealed to the community and they responded in magnificent fashion.

"To have raised over £1,500 in such a short space of time is incredible and our heartfelt thanks go out to all the 80-plus donors who have shown such generosity - what community spirit."

The Big Tree is now due to be installed in the High Street as soon as possible by the country fayre volunteers.

Meanwhile - the village's annual festive late-night shopping event will take place on Friday November 25 when shops will be staying open until 9pm.

Kinver Rotary Club will also be bringing Father Christmas and his sleigh, which will be located in front of the clinic from 7pm, and choristers will be singing in Chenevare Mews.

Many village food outlets will also be serving food and drinks to visitors on the pavements.

Meanwhile - the country fayre committee is inviting people to buy personalised Christmas baubles, the proceeds of which will go to charity, to hang on the tree throughout the festive season.

Priced £5 each, they are available from S&S Florists in the High Street.