A TOWN'S efforts to brighten up Christmas in its shopping centre were celebrated with a ceremonial switch on this week.

For years Bishop Auckland has been criticised for its dismal illuminations but last year traders and organisations clubbed together to raise £11,000 in an attempt to attract shoppers and boost business.

It is another feather in the cap of the town, which was at the centre of The Advertiser and The Northern Echo's Shopping for a Future campaign, which started in February 2003.

Since the start of the campaign, which aims to bring shoppers back to small market towns, such as Bishop Auckland, the town has fought to formulate different initiatives to make itself more attractive to visitors.

This week dignitaries joined one of the nations best-loved comedians as he switched on the Christmas lights.

Peter Jones, assistant Grand Vizier from the Hog Wild Tent of the Sons of the Desert, the Laurel and Hardy Appreciation Society in Bishop Auckland, dressed up as Stan Laurel to switch on the festive illuminations.

He was joined by Bishop Auckland MP Derek Foster, the Bishop of Durham the Rt Rev Tom Wright, Wear Valley District Council leader Coun Margaret Jones, Coun Alex Clemments, and Stan Patterson, Grand Sheikh of the Laurel and Hardy group.

The small ceremony in the market square marked the start of good times ahead for the town where traders finally feel they are making a difference.

Town Centre manager Derek Toon told shoppers who gathered for the occasion that Bishop Auckland had never looked better.

He said: "We bought the Christmas lights last year. This year we decided to have a small ceremony to officially switch them on. Next year we want to have a one day event to celebrate.

"People tell me that Bishop Auckland has never looked better and we are looking forward to building on this for the future."