A TOWN is to have a brighter Christmas after the council received £10,000 for decorative lights.

Project Genesis, which is developing former steelworks sites, has donated the cash to Derwentside District Council for lights in Consett.

It was presented to council leader Alex Watson by Father Christmas.

Morris Muter, managing director of Dysart Developments, the main shareholder in Project Genesis, said: "We were delighted that Santa was able to interrupt his summer break to hand over the cheque which will help to light up Consett this Christmas.

"As an organisation at the heart of the local community, we wanted to do something that would benefit local people and bring more shoppers into the town centre."

The sponsorship means improvements can be made to lamppost displays in the town centre.

Councillor Watson said: "We needed Santa to come early in the year so that the cheque could be handed over and we can get busy selecting the lights and decorations that will bring Consett to life this Christmas."

It is hoped that the enhanced display will help to generate increased seasonal trade for retailers in Consett and plans are being made to invite a local celebrity to perform the big switch-on in early December.