Elizabeth Fish

Crowds gathered on Thursday evening to see the Christmas lights switch on in Lincoln.

From 5pm, passers by in St Marks Shopping Centre could enjoy entertainment from local singers and dance acts such as The Butlins Red Coats, Lincoln College, the Ultimate Rock School and the Waddington Military Wives Choir.

Then, Aladdin & Jasmine from the Lincoln Drill Hall pantomime Aladdin helped turn on the Christmas lights at 7pm.

The big event on Lincoln High Street also took place at 7pm, with Paralympic skier Jade Etherington, the Mayor of Lincoln, and his competition winner Catriona Lee (9) turning on the lights along High Street, Bailgate, Guildhall Street and Sincil Street.

Beforehand, Pedro the Clown and Lincs FM Presenter, Ross Garrigan, entertained the crowds, followed by the County Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society singing carols at the War Memorial, and appearances by the characters from the pantomime.

There was a special civic procession from the Guildhall to the War Memorial while the Salvation Army Band played.

The Mayor delievered his Christmas speech before the Christmas lights were switched on ready for the festive season.

A local housing developer has taken on 25 apprentices, four of which live in Lincoln and are helping build new homes in North Hykeham.

Barratt Homes North Midlands is presently developing high end homes at Manor Farm on Tiber Road, North Hykeham, so have invited four students to help while studying at local colleges.

The 25 apprentices are the firm’s biggest intake ever, which also won Macro Employer of the Year at the recent National Apprentices Award 2014.

Luke Swales (22) is studying an NVQ Level 2 in Bricklaying at Lincoln College. He said: “I first got interested in the industry after doing a five week course called Pathway to Construction. I want to make a career out of this and hopefully get promoted after I qualify.”

Tom Kinsley (18) is studying an NVQ Level 3 in Joinery at Lincoln College, and said: “My dad’s a joiner, working as a subcontractor, and I wanted to follow in his footsteps. I’ve been learning for three years and I’m still enjoying it.”

Robert Cantwell (19) is studying an NVQ Level 2 in Bricklaying at Lincoln College. He added: “My granddad was a joiner, and he told me what work was like on building sites. It’s been brilliant so far and hopefully I should get a job at the end of it.”

John Dillon, Managing Director for Barratt Homes North Midlands, commented: “We try to recruit trade apprentices at all our developments and firmly believe that our role isn’t just to build new homes but to provide employment and establish strong communities as well.

“This is a great time to be entering the industry, and we would encourage anyone interested to apply.”

Barratt Developments has pledged to take on a further 1,100 apprentices, graduates and trainees over the next three years too.