CHRISTMAS cards will not be clogging up mantelpieces in one Somerset village this year as residents are pledging not to send them to each other

CHRISTMAS cards will not be clogging up mantelpieces in one Somerset village this year as residents are pledging not to send them to each other in an attempt to go green.This December, residents in Weare will be hanging baubles with Christmas messages on from a large tree in the village rather than sending the festive cards.A group of friends came up with the idea after agreeing that sending out lots of cards was wasteful and not environmentally friendly.Organiser Tracey Marshall said: "It seemed pointless posting Christmas cards through doors when we all live next to each other and see each other every day. It is such a waste of paper."We also wanted something central for the village to enjoy. There is always a lovely Christmas tree by St Mary's Church in Wedmore where they sing carols and it is a shame that Weare doesn't have anything similar."Residents in the village will be asked to write Christmas messages on baubles and decorations for a tree in front of St Gregory's Church. The baubles will then be collected and hung on the tree for a ceremony of carolling, mulled wine and mince pies.Tracey said: "At the end of the Christmas period we will collect all the baubles and save them for next year, so even when residents leave the village they will still be remembered."A resident from Christon has already volunteered to donate a tree. Tracey added: "It was a really generous offer and the people I have spoken to about the tree idea all seem to like it."The group of friends from the village, including Tracey, Heather Whitehead, Rita Hanson, Sue Harris and Alison Nesbitt, met earlier this week to firm up their plans. They hope to hold the new ceremony around December 13, although the date has not yet been finalised.