MEMBERS of a village Christmas lights committee are appealing for help with funding to keep their 10 year tradition going.

Govilon Christmas Lights Committee have scraped just enough cash to turn on the festive display for this year, their tenth anniversary, and they don't want it to be their last.

The committee's secretary Liz Smith, said many people had donated to help this year and keep the village looking festive for Christmas.

"This year could be our last Christmas lights switch-on. People have kindly donated money and are giving us raffle prizes but next year we will have to raise a lot more money.

"The committee are going to struggle to raise the cash alone, we need more help from our community and more people to join the committee. They don't have to attend every meeting - just show their support and join us," she said.

This year they needed to raise £1,200, however, Miss Smith said the committee will need considerably more next year.

"We need to pay the insurance and new lights cost us £3,500. We are looking towards around £2,000. The community council gave us £412 for insurance last year but they can't do it again and if they do it will be a lot less."

Miss Smith said the community didn't was to lose their annual tradition, "It's great, loads of people come down to enjoy the festivities and watching the lights switch on. It would be a shame if it all had to end just because of a lack of money," she said.

This year's event takes place on Friday, December 12 at 6.30pm outside the Lion Pub on Merthyr Road where the borough band will play before Darth Vader switches the lights on. Santa will then arrive on his sleigh and hand out lollies to the children and there will be a raffle in the local pub.

Anyone interested in helping the committee can contact Miss Smith on 01873 831519 or sign up on the night.