For the past two years Harrogate has been voted the happiest place to live. As MATT CLARK discovers, even in winter there’s no discontent.

IT'S FOUR in the afternoon and as an all too early dusk descends, Harrogate Stray is beginning to sparkle.

While most of us dread the onset of winter, residents in Britain's first spa town positively look forward to dark nights and ethereal mists, because the display of fairy lights entwined in the trees gives them a warm glow as they return home, no matter how miserable the weather.

The lights are switched on when the clocks go back and will brighten up the town centre until March. But for some they hold another meaning. Recently, Yorkshire Cancer Research offered an opportunity to dedicate a single bulb, a garland of lights or a whole tree full to a family member or friend in return for a donation.

“We really enjoyed helping Harrogate sparkle," says Sally Crerar, head of community fundraising. "Our Symphony of Lights scheme offered a fantastic opportunity for people to remember their loved ones in a very special and long-lasting way."

The idea raised almost £33,000 for Yorkshire Cancer Research and proved so popular that all the trees allocated to the charity by Harrogate Borough Council are now sponsored. Which means Leeds Road, York Place and Otley Road, leading to the Prince of Wales Roundabout together with Parliament Street and Montpellier Hill, are now awash with winter colour.

The council has promised to keep the trees lit every winter for half a century and it also has a duty to protect the ground on which the trees stand, because the 200-acre Stray was established by law in 1770 and its use is governed by the Harrogate Stray Act 1985.

Originally the purpose was to preserve open walks, which had become an essential feature of the spa: "Without being subject to the payment of any acknowledgement whatsoever for the same, or liable to any action of trespass, or other suit, molestation, or disturbance whatsoever, in respect thereof."

When any of the Stray is removed, such as for road widening, it must be replaced elsewhere. The only exception was granted during the Second World War when the grass was dug over to grow potatoes and vegetables.

That said, the council fell foul of its imposed duty in 1932 by approving a plan to create 38 large formal beds, to be filled with plants and shrubs, along West Park Stray.

A lengthy campaign ensued, but to no avail. Apparently some residents were so incensed they sent their domestic staff to invade the council offices, while others drove a cavalcade of Rolls Royces over the newly dug flowerbeds.

Eventually the existing councillors were voted out and the new ones revoked all previous decisions, allowing the Stray to revert to its original state.

Today, Harrogate's green lung remains a much-loved and ever-changing asset. Soon frost will dress its bare branches, by March seven million crocus bulbs will be in bloom and in April the cherry blossom trees will froth with pink.

Until then, and the hopeful promise of better weather, it will be all spangling scarlet and glistering gold in the trees that offer a warm welcome.

"Our beautiful fairy lights on the Stray mean a great deal to those families that contributed," says Sally.

"It’s lovely to know that they continue to shine every evening throughout winter.”