Lithuanians create town's Christmas decorations

A Lithuanian community group has added some Baltic charm to a town's market place by creating festive decorations.

The group in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, made gonks, stars and baubles for the Christmas tree, using recycled items.

Estela Oduntan, who has lived in the Fenland town for seven years, said the project had "brought everyone together".

The 31-year-old said she came up with the idea with a friend. "Some of us have lived here for 10, 15 years... and so we love Wisbech as our home and we want to be part of the community."

She said the pair got the council's blessing to create the festive designs and worked with a youth club to bring them to life.

The decorations had received positive reviews from residents, she said.

"I am very proud of everyone's involvement.

"People have said it makes them feel like they are back home in Lithuania or Latvia.”

Samantha Hoy, the Fenland councillor representing Wisbech South, said the decorations were "beautiful" and "really well received".

"The tree this year looks the best it's ever looked," she said.

Ms Hoy added: "This is a real positive that people do want to give back and be involved in the community... they are so proud of what they've made and rightfully so."

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