A Richmond town councillor went up in the world this week when she helped put up the town's Christmas lights.

Coun Linda Curran was hoisted up to the market hall roof on Wednesday afternoon as electricians continued to install 4,000 lights.

Friary gardens will have about 1,000 bulbs while a further 3,000 will decorate the town centre.

Coun Curran admitted to being more than a little apprehensive before stepping onto the hydraulic platform.

"I kept trying to smile for the photograph and I hope it does not come across as a smile of terror. The worst part was when it was going up; it is not smooth and shakes backwards and forwards, but once it stopped it was not too bad."

This year the town council is experimenting with a white Christmas theme - all the bulbs are clear instead of the multi-coloured type normally used.

Coun Curran added: "We had a lot of comments about how nice the obelisk looked just lit up all white, so we thought we would try it all over the town centre and the gardens. We are hoping for some positive feedback from the residents."

The lights will be switched on at Friary Gardens at 7pm on Friday, November 30, by Mrs Rogerson, the widow of Mr Malcolm Rogerson who did so much for the Christmas lights in the town through the Duck club.

Mrs Rogerson, Father Christmas and the mayor of Richmond, Coun Tom Burrows, will arrive by fire engine and St Mary's choir will sing carols.

Free hot punch and mince pies, supplied by the town's bakers, will be available at the market hall following the switching on ceremony.

Left: Coun Curran puts up the lights with a little help from Mr Kevan Allen - D&