THE builder behind a 278-home estate in Cudworth donated £1,000 towards the village’s Christmas lights.

The eagerly anticipated annual lights are a culmination of fundraising by Cudworth Business and Community Together (CBCT), Cudworth Ward Alliance, local residents and businesses all working together.

Barratt Homes, the firm behind the new Salter’s Brook estate off Newland Avenue, were keen to get involved with the fundraising bid and pledged the cash ahead of last week’s switch-on.

Sales manager, Gavin McCarthy, and sales adviser Ben Bainbridge-Dalton visited Cudworth Methodist Hall for the carol service and to hand over the cheque.

Gavin said: “We wanted to give something special back to Cudworth, which has welcomed many new families this year at our Salter’s Brook development.

“Sponsoring the Christmas lights seemed the perfect way to spread festive cheer.

“We’re committed to helping the communities in which we build to thrive and the Christmas lights are an annual highlight for Cudworth’s residents.

“With many local committees facing an annual challenge to raise funds for events such as this we wanted to make sure Cudworth residents were guaranteed their seasonal light display with some added sparkle.”

Coun Joe Hayward added: “The three local councillors Steve Houghton, Charlie Wraith and myself are delighted that Barratt Homes’ Salter’s Brook development wanted to support our Christmas lights.

“It’s always a risk that we might have to go without seasonal favourites if funds are short and we’re grateful to Barratt Homes for its generous donation.

“We look forward to the whole community being filled with Christmas cheer and enjoying the special lights.”