A North-east financial company has helped to spread some festive cheer among a local community by donating a dream holiday to Lapland.

Phil Anderson Financial Services, which has offices in Aberdeen, Ellon and Caithness, donated the prize trip to Ellon’s Christmas Lights Day, which takes place on Saturday 19 November, after it was announced that the previously cancelled event had been rescued by a local charity.

Phil Anderson, managing director of Phil Anderson Financial Services, annually donates presents to the event’s Santa’s Grotto, but made the decision to donate the once-in-a-lifetime holiday, and lift the spirits of the local community, after discovering that the Ellon Christmas Lights Day was back on.

The prize holiday will be up for grabs to everyone who purchases raffle tickets on the day of the event. One lucky winner will receive accommodation and return flights to Lapland for up to four people, as well as £500 spending money.

The popular light switch-on event, taking place in Neil Ross Square in Ellon, has recently been taken over by Ellon Events and will include fairground rides, a Santa’s Grotto, market stalls and a fireworks display.

Phil Anderson said: “I was thrilled to hear that the Ellon Christmas Lights Day was back on, as it’s such a important event in the town’s Christmas calendar. As Christmas is a time for giving, I wanted to donate something big that would help bring back festive cheer amongst residents and I think providing a chance to meet the real Santa will do just that.

“Both my team and I believe that giving back to the local community is of the upmost importance, so I’m proud to be involved with an event that means so much to so many people. We’re all thoroughly looking forward to the day and finding out who will win the holiday of a lifetime.”

Wayne Baber, chairman at Ellon Events, said: “We are extremely appreciative of Phil and his team donating the holiday to Lapland. Phil has always been extremely generous when it comes to donations for the Christmas Lights Day, but this year he has truly gone out of his way to help the community by providing this incredible trip.

“Christmas spirit will be very evident at this year’s event, as it’s down to the support of local people and businesses that we’ve managed to get it up and running again. We’re hoping for a big turnout to celebrate the beginning of the festive season in the area.”