DONATIONS for Bradford on Avon’s working Christmas tree are flooding in to support the Bath Cats and Dogs Home and Dorothy House Hospice Care in Winsley.

The 15ft Nordic pine, which was decorated last weekend in Lamb Yard by a local artist and pupils from Frome College and St Laurence School, will be in operation when the town switches on its Christmas lights tonight. (Friday November 27 Christopher Curtis, Frome College’s head of maths and a town resident, proposed the idea and has been inundated with positive feedback.

Backers look set to deposit hundreds of tins of animal food for the dogs and cats and hampers for the hospice.

“The tree looks stunningly elegant, innovative and beautifully done,” said Mr Curtis.

“People are massively on board with the project. I’ve already been promised hundreds of tins and donations.

“Alex Compton, the glass artist who did the decorations, has done some fantastic work. It is very modern, striking and colourful.

“There is so much bad news going around at the moment and hopefully this can make the town look stunning and bring the community together.

"I want this to be the beating heart of the community.”

Ms Compton called on the help of eager art pupils from Frome College's A-level course and GCSE and A-level art pupils from St Laurence School for the decorations.

“All the companies in Lamb Yard have pledged their support. The project has got so much support. It’s a win-win situation,” said Mr Curtis.

The giving tree, which will begin its work tonight, has a collection point apiece for the two charities and will begin its work at the town’s Christmas lights switch-on and residents can post their donations to BA15 1FG.