AN excited couple are getting ready to switch on the lights of their 40- year-old Christmas tree.

Avril and Christopher Rowlands, from Inkberrow, have hosted the infamous event for 40 years, since they planted a nine foot fir tree in 1978, the year Bony M got the Christmas number one with 'Mary's Boy Child' and prime minister Harold Wilson appeared on 'The Morecambe and Wise Christmas Special.'

Now, four decades on, the tree stands at over 50 foot and is the tallest privately owned Christmas tree in Worcestershire.

Hundreds of locals turn out for the event each year, to watch the huge Christmas tree light up December and enjoy other activities, such as a Victorian fayre for youngsters.

Throughout the Christmas tree's life, it has seen the release of other festive hits such as Wham's 'Last Christmas', 'Santa Clause is Coming to Town' by the Pointer Sisters and 'All I want For Christmas' by Mariah Carey.

The Christmas tree has also been around for the release of Christmas films Mickey's Christmas Carol, Scrooged, and Home Alone.

Mr and Mrs Rowlands will be raising funds throughout Christmas in aid of Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, with the festive light switch on at their home on Sunday, December 2 at 6.30pm. Previous years have seen the couple raise thousands for multiple charities, including Cancer Research UK and the Alzheimer’s Society.

For more information about Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, visit midlandsairambulance.com