CHRISTMAS: Has reached Hook, and we must thank the Goslings and our local firemen at Odiham Fire Station, who have braved the weather and put up the sparkly Christmas lights and decorations in the centre of the village.

Father Christmas will be making his usual rounds. On Tuesday, he will be at Middlemead, Nursery Close, Chalky Copse, Hatchgate Mead, Elms Road, The Spinney, Nightingale Road, Lynwood Gardens, Ferndale Gardens, Dorchester Road and Sheldons Road.

On Thursday, he will be at Oak Tree Drive and its off-shoots, Reading Road, Broad Leaze, Wash Brook, John Morgan Close, Ashlea, Alder Wood Drive and its offshoots.

There will be a colouring competition. As usual, you can get a copy of the drawing from this month's edition of Hook Focus, or from the Hook and Odiham Lions website at www.hookandodihamlions.co.uk

Father Christmas will also be collecting unused glasses and hearing aids, so that they can be refurbished and sent on to Third World countries.

CHURCH service: There is to be a Toy and Christingle Service at St John's Church on Wednesday, at 11am, for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers.

Please bring along a toy, new or good secondhand, to give away to charity.

If you wrap the present, please label it, indicating the age and whether it is for a boy or a girl.