THIS year, as the grey winter nights draw in and the last autumn leaves fall from the trees, a lot is being done in seeking ways to make things a little brighter and people need look no further than Cowdenbeath town centre.

Last week, the trees around Cowdenbeath Leisure Centre were illuminated with brand new winter lighting which also extends around the car park.

Following on from the successful shutter art initiative on High Street, the winter tree lighting adds a further sparkle to the local area.

The bright LED lights will inspire communities and visitors to venture out and safely enjoy the crisp winter evenings in central Cowdenbeath.

Aaron Andrews, from ARRO Lighting, who designed and installed the lighting said: "My focus was to illuminate the heart of the community, so the location was very important.

"Dressing trees is a great way to transform any evening landscape.. "Winter lighting can have a very positive impact on not just individuals but community and beyond. I never get tired of working on projects such as this and the feedback has been great".

The winter lighting has been provided by Cowdenbeath Community Council’s successful Town Centre Community Capital Fund, administered by the Scottish Government.

Christine Gourlay, of the Community Council, said: "The response to the lights has been fantastic.

"Comments on the Cowdenbeath Community Council Facebook page include ‘stunning’, ‘beautiful’ and ‘brilliant.’ People want to see more of this around the town, and we see the lights as part of a wider plan to improve the look and feel of the town centre.

"This will support local businesses and bring people in to the area, highlighting all Cowdenbeath has to offer.’

Christine also added: "We can only improve Cowdenbeath for everyone by working together.

"Developments at the underpass, the shutter art and now the winter lights are examples of where collaboration has yielded excellent results."

There are exciting plans for 2017 as well as the green square area is set to have a new look in the new year.

Fife Council's plans to give the heart of the town a fresh look are taking shape.