CHRISTMAS tree designers for Bradford on Avon have called on the help of a BAFTA winning designer to brighten up the town with its new Christmas tree in Westbury Gardens.

Bill Laslett, who has designed sets for Spice Girls and Take That, was recruited by friend of 25 years and former town mayor John Potter, to design their new Christmas tree which was completed last weekend.

Last year the town’s Christmas tree attracted national media attention for its gaudy design and Mr Potter hopes this more classical design will not be nearly as unpopular.

“It’s a bit of a classical tree and I think it looks excellent,” he said. “Last year it was very controversial and made us quite famous for the wrong reasons.

“This one should be more universally liked but also attract less national coverage. It won’t reach the dizzying heights of last year but hopefully people will like it.”

The 20ft tree was purchased by Bradford on Avon Lions Club, a member of the world’s largest service club organisation, Lions Club International, from Fine Pines in Winsley.

“I would like to thank the Lions Club for their help, we couldn’t have done it without them. They are a credit to the town,” said Mr Potter.

“It took five hours to complete. We had to get an electrician and there were eight of us putting up the red, green and gold baubles and the 500 lights. Bill was directing us from street level and he was happy with it.”

The tree will be adorn the streets of Bradford on Avon with its pearly glow on November 27 as part of the town’s Christmas lights switch on.