An appeal has gone out asking for people to make a donation to Helston Christmas Lights Committee, which needs to raise another £1,400 just to break even.

This year saw a major outlay on the display, which not only includes various new features - including a “Welcome to Helston” set up at the bottom of town - but 1,000 low-energy coloured light bulbs.

The investment has left the kitty empty and despite donations being collected at the switching-on of the lights, there is still a deficit to make up.

Writing on the Helston Christmas Lights Facebook page, the lights committee, chaired by Rob Williams, said: “Thanks to everyone who has sent in money to the lights fund, but we are well short of our spend this year. Please, please spare a few quid to help boost our deflated kitty. Just because the lights are up and on doesn't mean that our bills are paid.”

It added that any donation, however small, would be gratefully received. Money can be sent to Robert Williams at 10 Meneage Street, Helston, TR13 8AB or dropped into J C Williams Furnishers. Cheques need to be made out to Helston Christmas Lights.