THE popular Olympic Rings which overlook Portland and Weymouth have been lit up as a part of a festive campaign to turn the town into the “Isle of Light”.

The landmark, created to celebrate the London 2012 games when Weymouth and Portland hosted sailing events, has been decorated with lights by Councillor Robert Hughes and volunteers.

It has been decorated as part of Portland Christmas Sparkle, an annual project which aims to light up trees with LED lights and get residents in the festive mood following a challenging year.

Mr Hughes explained that a resident suggested they should light up the Olympic Rings as part of the festive project.

He said: “It was a member of the community who suggested that we light them as part of our new Christmas lights, that have been paid for by the town council, local businesses and community donations to the JustGiving page that I set up.

“Originally we hoped to put up 150 sets of solar powered led lights around Portland. With so much extra funding, the community donated we have put up 200 sets, which is 60,000 LEDs.”

The Olympic Rings have been wrapped around with solar powered LED lights and are powered by rechargeable batteries. While the lights are not powerful enough to be seen from Weymouth, they have been admired by Portland residents and tourists.

One resident stated they “look amazing and so does the whole island” while another local said “what a morale boost for us all.”

Another resident shared online: “I really love what you have achieved. Portland is looking even more beautiful.

"Thank you for all your hard work.”

Councillor Hughes said the response from residents has been fantastic.

He added: “For the first time, we are bringing light to the whole island not just Fortuneswell and Easton

“This year I took the decision that we should really go for it and create sparkle across the whole island. The Isle of Light.

“People from off the island have asked if we can do the same for their areas within Dorset.”

Councillor Hughes states the lights on the Rings, and across Portland, will be in place for another two months.

He said: “We will not be taking the lights down before the end of January. People have asked if we can leave them up all year, but we have to think about birds nesting and the trees growing.

“Any lights that have been broken have been kindly repaired by HeliOps engineers for free.”