CHRISTMAS has returned to a Teesside community after an absence of 20 years.

It was in the 1980s that the lights went out at South Bank following repeated vandalism on the Christmas tree bulbs.

Now, 29-year-old mother-of- two Kim Drury , the holder of the title South Bank Citizen of the Year, has written to local industry and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council for help restoring the lights.

Everyone put their hands in their pockets, ranging from giants like the Huntsman group and Corus to local small traders and the Single Regeneration Community Chest.

The community raised £2,500 to pay for a 20ft tree, its installation and strings of vandal- proof lights.

Kim said: "It just goes to show what people can do if we all stick together. And I was always confident that we would do it, because it is what people wanted.

"We have got the churches coming round with choirs. When we have the tree completely dressed it will be wonderful. It was about time we had a tree."

Kim is chairwoman of South Bank in Bloom. She hopes fundraising will continue, allowing the streets to be festooned with fairy lights next Christmas.

She said: "This tree is a symbol of real community involvement and regeneration within South Bank. It is a triumph over adversity, and I would like to thank everyone who has played a part in revitalising this community spirit.'