COLEFORD firefighters have been as busy as Christmas elves to bring a festive treat to a new generation of local children.

They have spent three months constructing a ‘Christmas carol float’ – named Billy to honour the memory of former Coleford firefighter Bill Whiffen.

With the “sterling” support of local businesses the float – which was last seen in 2004 – will make its first public appearance at the switch-on of Coleford’s Christmas lights on Friday ­­­December 2.

It will then tour different parts of the town on six dates handing out sweets to local children.

The reinvention of the float was the idea of firefighters Ian Brace and Lee Evans after many requests for its return.

It was also as a memorial to Bill Whiffen, who died two years ago.

Lee said: “Bill was Mr Christmas and, with his colleagues, he was always sorting collections outside the Co-op at Christmas time for the Firefighters’ Charity.

“We all feel this is a fitting tribute to him and he would be chuffed with it bringing so much Christmas to our town.”

The float features 700 lights which were attached by hand at two-inch intervals.

Coleford’s festivities start at 5.30pm with the lights going on at 6.30pm.

The float is due to visit the following areas on the dates below between 6.30pm and 8.30pm.

Monday, December 5 and Wednesday, December 14.

Hillcrest Road, Coverham Road, Park Road, Grove Road, Darren Road, Crow Ash Road, Kells Road, Victoria Road, Albert Road, Oakfields, Box Bush Road, Sunnybank.

Wednesday, December 7 and Thursday, December 16: Cyril Hart Way, Forest Road, Woodville Avenue, Perch Drive, Worcester Walk, North Road, Fox’s Lane, Lewis Glade, Queensway, Holcot Close, Coalway Road, Crown Meadow, New Road, The Purples, Old Road.

Saturday, December 11 and Saturday, December 18: Tufthorn Avenue, Greenways Drive, High Nash, Edenwall Road, Forest Road, Milkwall Estate, Bluebell Close, Sling, Clays Road, Laureldene, Clearwell, Newland Street, Angel Vale, Mushet Place, Hampshire Gardens.