IN PICTURES: Christmas tree in memory of Stephen Sutton lights up Burntwood
Burntwood was lit up in a sky high tower of yellow bows and thumbs - in memory of inspirational teenager Stephen Sutton.
Our tree for Stephen was organised by two community fundraisers and hundreds of people braved the winter weather to see the annual light switch on, which happened on Saturday.
The Christmas tree, outside Burntwood Library on Sankey's corner, was decorated with hundreds of iconic yellow bows and thumbs, helping to raise more than £1,300 for Teenage Cancer Trust.
Organiser Joanne Jarvis said: "To see everyone gather together has made me very emotional and very proud."
Joint organiser Sharon Whitchurch added: "It's beautiful to see and there's still more bows to be added and more donations coming in."
The memorial tree launched last year and is to remember the teenager who helped to raise more than £3m for the trust.
As part of the light switch on, children could visit Santa, enjoy a bouncy castle and there were hot refreshments and carol singers.
Visitor Charlotte Scott, 40, came with her daughter to see the switch on and said:
"It's important for Stephen's memory and it's important to continue to raise money for TCT.
"It's also really good for the community".
Sarah Jelley watched with her children Finn, 10 and Alfie, four.
She said: "It's fantastic for Burntwood to keep his memory alive and the yellow ribbon symbol hasn't been forgotten.
"We will put yellow ribbons on our tree at home and it's a legacy for people from here.
"We are so proud Stephen came from Burntwood and I hope it's a tradition that lives on as its lovely way to bring everyone together."
The lights were switched on by councillor Pamela Stokes and fundraiser Lee WoodWard.
Mr Woodward said: "This gives us an opportunity to remember Stephen and his life lessons to and it also helps TCT to continue helping other teenagers going through it.
"For me, It marks the start of Christmas."
