NEIL Hewson, who served at Grayshott Fire Station for nearly 30 years and lived in the village for more than 50, will be switching on the village’s Christmas lights this year.

The lights which adorn both the village greens and along the Headley Road past The Fox and Pelican Pub will be switched on by Neil at 6pm next Friday, with free carousel rides for children in The Square from 5.30pm to 7pm.

Dick Smith, chairman of the Buy in Grayshott initiative, Grayshott Illumination Group (GIG), said: “To celebrate Neil’s retirement from the fire service two years ago, and to mark his 30 years’ Fire Service award, he donated £500 to the GIG fundraising appeal

“This was a truly generous and nice thing to do, so we would once again say a big well done to Neil (pictured) and a huge thank-you for his service to the community and for agreeing to switch on our lights.”

Maintenance and replacement of some of the lights has been carried out and some additional LED lighting has been put up.

Mr Smith added “We welcome and would be grateful for any further donations, particularly from village businesses, which will make sure the village for years to come keep their truly special Christmas light display that is appreciated and praised throughout our local and the wider communities.”