CHRISTMAS lights are shining in Stokesley after an electrical problem threatened to cast an embarrassing gloom over the festive season.

A technical hitch meant the cable from the refurbished town hall seemed inadequate to carry the extra power needed to run lights in the streets.

An electrician was called in and the problem was solved.

Town hall chairman, Mr George Carter, said: "It has all been sorted out and the lights are all now working. It was resolved quickly. There is a string of lights going round the town hall and more lights on the opposite side of the High Street."

He praised the Stokesley pride in our town group for helping to organise the lights, led by Mrs Heather Atkinson.

"Its members have carried out a lot of the work, replaced some of the lights and are paying for the electricity. They have raised funds for the lights and put on a good display," he said.

There are two lit Christmas trees in windows of the upper floor of the town hall, paid for by the parish council. Last year, the town had just one tree opposite Boyes' shop, but vandals repeatedly smashed light bulbs.

"The town hall management committee was pleased to accommodate the two trees and they look very nice," said Mr Carter.

Stokesley organisations plan better things for Christmas lights in coming years. The parish council has been discussing business sponsorship and late night opening as ways of bringing extra visitors to shops and pubs.

Mr Carter said bookings at the refurbished town hall had doubled and demand for was strong for evening use.

"Before the refurbishment, it was only booked by a few groups for about 14pc of the available time. Now, it is booked for 30pc and we hope this will get a lot better."

A cinema club screened films throughout the autumn, and a successful art exhibition and sale were held recently. "There were some very well-attended events," said Mr Carter. Some concerts were sold out and others almost so.