MP branches out to help Ken!

An innocent plea for a bigger Christmas tree led to Rochdale MP Paul Rowen presenting Rochdale School's Music Service with a full size tree. Mr Rowen reacted after former Rochdale 'Man of the Year' Ken Davies complained whilst compering the Music Service's annual 'Christmas Cracker' at the Gracie Fields Theatre about the size of the Christmas tree.

Mr Davies said at the time: "We have a lot of influential guests here tonight including Councillors and of course our MP. Surely one of them could do something about getting us a bigger Christmas tree"?

Mr Rowen said: "I was laughing at Ken's comment and am delighted to present the Music Service with a brand new full size artificial tree. I will be delighted to see that, on the 15th Anniversary of the Annual Christmas Cracker Concerts, Ken gets his wish.

"This year Ken compered all three concerts and I am pleased to have taken action on making it that little bit more special. Ken's comments sounded more like an instruction rather than a request so I felt duty bound.

"I would like to praise the Rochdale School's Music Service who continue to do such an excellent job. I am looking forward to their 2008 programme immensely."