Representatives from the Asian Business Forum joined staff from Barclays Bank in Woking Town Square, at 3.45pm on Monday 22 November, to formally hand over their gift of a 40-foot Christmas tree, decorated with white lights, to the people of Woking. The tree is a Sitka Spruce, sourced from the Kielder Forest in Newcastle, and it will be standing in the Town Square until Thursday 6 January 2010.

Shahid Azeem, Chair of Woking Asian Business Forum, said: "We are absolutely delighted to be donating the Christmas tree to Woking Town centre, once again. We want to demonstrate that the Asian Business Forum is keen to be a connected part of the community and we wish everyone in Woking a very joyful festive season."

Barclay's Bank recruitment team were also keen to sponsor some Christmas lights in the town centre this year, and have kindly funded the white LEDs on the same tree, for 2010.

After its time in the square, the tree will be chipped, so that the wood can be reused as wood mulch.

Andy Calfe, Neighbourhood Team Leader for Woking Borough Council said, "We are very grateful to the Asian Business Forum, and Barclays Bank, for their generous gifts, which visitors to Woking will be able to enjoy until the New Year."

Photograph courtesy of the Woking News & Mail.