IRVINE’S Portal is all lit up for Christmas thanks to the kind help of local groups and businesses.

Irvine’s Seagate Rotary held their own Christmas switch-on this month after inviting organisations and businesses to sponsor a tree to be on display in the Portal.

Groups were charged £100 for a 6ft tree – to benefit Irvine Cancer Care and North Ayrshire Young Carers – which they could then decorate how they liked.

A collection box for extra donations for the two charities will also be there while the trees are on display.

Organiser Ian Dickson said: “The idea for the tree display comes from Dundarave, in West Vancouver, where their annual Avenue of Christmas Trees, decorated by businesses and or ganisations in the community, attracts visitors from throughout the city of Vancouver.

“I and the Rotary Club are delighted that teams responded with such effort and inventiveness. “We are also delighted that it has turned out to be such a true community effort, with 32 different businesses and organisations coming together to achieve such a wonderful display.

“People should visit to see for themselves and, while doing so,to spin coins in the Spiral Well for the two charities, Irvine & Troon Cancer Care and North Ayrshire Young Carers.”

The list of sponsors is: Ardagh Glass, Auld Lang Signs, Andrew Wilson Landscapes supporting Irvine & Dreghorn Brass Band, Ayrshire Blinds, Bonellie Opticians, Fastprint Services Irvine, Glebe Primary School, Irvine Beat FM supporting Fullarton Community Hub, Irvine Burns Club, Irvine Car Centre, Irvine Golf Club, Irvine Lasses Burns Club, Irvine Royal Academy, Jamieson Motor Services supporting Annick Nursery, Loudoun Montgomery Primary School, Pam & Co supporting Irvine Guides & Brownies, Probus Club supporting St Mark’s Primary School, R&A Sports Bar, Riverside Lodge Hotel, Sainsbury’s, Shuttle Buses supporting the two benefitting charities, SimpsInns, Soundtec Organs supporting Castlepark Primary, St Andrew’s Scottish Episcopal Church, TOA taxis, Dickson & Co. LLP