THE future of a festive landmark in Chester-le-Street has been secured after a volunteer stepped in to take over from a man who is hanging up his ladder after bringing Christmas cheer to a generation of children.

Each festive season since 1987, John Davison has transformed the 60ft tree in his garden by covering it in twinkling lights.

But he has bowed to pressure from his wife, Pauline, to bring his tree-climbing days to an end, now that he has turned 60.

Tree surgeon Lee Mitcheson, 31, has offered to continue the tradition.

Mr Davison, of Newcastle Road, Chester-le-Street, who only recently celebrated his birthday, said: "I am so pleased he has offered to carry on the tradition. I'll be going up one last time in January to help him take the lights down and show him how I have fitted them."

Mrs Davison said: "He climbs trees regularly during the course of his work and I was surprised and delighted by his offer."

Mr Mitcheson, of Chester-le-Street, said: "I have seen the lights at Christmas for as long as I can remember.

"It was a bit of a shock to hear that he was ending, so I thought I ought to offer my services and carry on the tradition.

"The town would not be the same without them."

Mr Mitcheson spoke of his admiration for Mr Davison's climbing skills - using only a ladder and a rope tied around his waist.

He added: "I will continue putting them up for as I have the ability to climb.

"And who knows, maybe one day my daughter will take over from me."