Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

Decorating a tree isn’t something normally associated with Easter – but one Bargoed resident is doing it anyway; and putting smiles on faces in the process.

Mum-of-two Victoria Gauden, 36, has decided to leave her Christmas tree up this year, decorating it for every occasion.

Victoria said: “I love Christmas – my tree goes up by September each year. But the thought of taking it down while in lockdown was depressing.

“My mother suggested a themed tree, so that’s what I’ve been doing this year.”

Youth worker Victoria has decorated her tree to mark a variety of occasions this year, including Pancake Day, Valentine’s Day and even the start of the Six Nations, as well as Easter Sunday.

Another theme was the animal welfare charity WWF – to mark the fact Victoria had raised more than £500 for the charity by walking 100 miles around Bargoed – with the last three miles walked while in fancy dress.

And it’s proved a hit on social media.

She said: “People have said they’ve been looking forward to seeing the next tree and trying to guess what’s coming next.”

As a youth worker with Caerphilly County Borough Council, Victoria said being creative is part of her job – with many of the 11-16-year-olds she works with excited to see her tree’s latest incarnation.