Pub near Willenhall is transformed into winter wonderland with help of 60,000 Christmas lights

Manager Ryan Perrins has spent the last month putting up the festive decorations in time for a switch-on event held at the pub on Friday (November 29), which saw more than 100 people turn out.

After a countdown, the lights were officially turned on with the help of Santa and Mrs Claus, while a Dolly Parton tribute act helped entertained the crowds.

Mr Perrins said: “It was packed in here. We had over 100 people. Everything was so amazing, the kids were dancing, 'Dolly' did a Christmas song, Santa and Mrs Claus were dancing with kids and we all went outside and looked at the lights -  people were saying how amazing it was.”

"Last year I did the same, I want to bring it back to a community pub. I’m very passionate about it because Christmas can be a sad time.

"A woman walked past the other day while we were on the roof doing the lights and she said 'you cheered me up doing this'. I looked to my mate who was helping me on the roof and I said ‘that is what it is about’. We go above and beyond for everyone.”

The night of the Christmas light switch-on also marked two years to the day since Mr Perrins was handed the keys to the pub.

He added: "Me and my partner Ben have turned it around. We have an amazing team and we just wanted it back to being a community pub.

"I want to thank everybody for the support and everything over the two years."

The festivities will keep coming too: a Santa's Grotto event will be held at the pub from December 6 to 8, with youngsters invited to meet Mr Claus for £6.50.