An old tradition was revived yesterday with a 'grand switch-on' of the Christmas tree lights at the top of the Firestone steps in Great West Road, Brentford.

On Friday (10 December) at 4pm an official turning-on of Christmas tree lights took place outside the former Firestone factory, which used to host an annual festive lights display that stretched across the Golden Mile on Great West Road.

This tradition went on for a good part of the 20th century, however stopped in recent years.

The tree was provided by Legal and General, the owners of the West Cross Estate - on the site of the former Firestone factory.

They also provided mince pies and mulled wine for the occasion.

The switch-on was carried out by Brentford councillor Mel Collins.

Mel gave a short speech in which he said how delighted he was, after many years, to see the seeds of a revival of what was once an important community tradition.

Mel's dad worked at the Firestone factory for 38 years and, in his younger years, Mel remembers annual visits by his own family and by others from far and near, to see the Christmas trees and decorations along the Great West Road.

Councillors Guy Lambert and Tony Louki, Brentford Voice, and many of those who work at the West Cross Estate also attended the event. 

Mel rushed off to get ready for the evening's game between his beloved Bees and Watford.

Find out more about the history of the Firestone building, here.