TRADERS are being urged to back a fundraising campaign to save a Couny Durham town's Christmas lights.

Businesses in Bishop Auckland are having to mount an all-out effort to collect their £1,000 contribution to the cost of keeping Newgate Street ablaze over this year's festive season.

If they don't achieve their target the town will be left in the dark because, at present, there is no money available even to replace broken light bulbs.

A charity night in the Queen's pub later this month should help them achieve their target. Thirteen-piece 1960s band Soul Survivors play on November 29, and a disco completes the entertainment.

One of the organisers, Sue Snowden, said: "If we don't raise the money there will be no Christmas lights.

"Wear Valley District Council will match our contribution and will help us in other ways, but we desperately need the money. We need everybody to pull together and make a huge effort so that we don't lose our lights."

Tickets for the event are £5 from the Queen's or from JC Ellis, in Newgate Street.