A HUGE green shape has sprung up almost overnight in Tidworth to become the centrepiece of the town's Christmas decorations at Hampshire Cross.

The green shape is loosely modelled on a Christmas tree The main support of the structure is the beacon, which has stood on the site largely unnoticed for the past eight years.

The work to create the 'tree' has been undertaken by parish councillor Bombardier Chris Franklin of the Royal Horse Artillery helped by Steve Williams of Bailey's Maintenance and the festive Lighting Company of Taunton.

"We did look for a site to erect a tree but felt the best place would be on the ground on which the beacon stood on," said Chris.

"With a tree you also have the problem of erecting it as well as disposing of it after the festive season.

"We haven't put up any lights on Hampshire Cross itself this year because it was felt that we didn't want to take away the affect of the beacon.

"Next year it's hoped to add more lights to the new street lighting which the parish council has paid to put up in Tidworth, however I hope to get the shopkeepers of Tidworth to join with the festive spirit and have their own trees.

"If any feel they would like to join in with the festive spirit with the parish council please get in contact.

"Hopefully as Tidworth gets bigger the lights will go up a little earlier but not as early as in Andover or Salisbury."

Next year the lights will be back on Hampshire Cross and with more along Station Road the bill will be around £10,000 - about two-thirds of which is the cost of erecting the lights.

Most feel it is money well spent.

Chamber of Commerce spokesman, David Wildman, said: "It is a worthwhile cause although it is a lot of money.

"It makes Tidworth a more homely place and it feels a better place to live."

Parish council chairman Humphrey Jones made the point at the recent parish council meeting that just five years ago Tidworth had nothing at all in the way of Christmas lights.