PLASTIC Santas and flashing reindeer are being shunned by a village, which has taken a more community-minded approach to Christmas decorations.

Sherburn Parish Council will be putting up its first Christmas tree on the village green soon, but wants residents to get involved in the festive spirit by creating their own decorations for the 20ft evergreen.

On Saturday, November 29, there will be a decoration day, staged between 10am and 4pm at Parkinson Methodist Hall, in the village when people can help decorate wooden and card ornaments that will be hung from the tree.

The initiative is the idea of parish councillors Claire Lamb and Maureen Woods, who wanted people to feel more involved in the community.

Coun Lamb said: "The decorations have to be quite big. It's a 20ft tree, but people can even put their names on a bauble, or a personal message, to make it special."

Refreshments will be provided on the day and a Christmas ceremony is being planned to coincide with the tree being put up.

For more details, contact Coun Lamb on (07748) 382967.