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

Project Genesis, which is developing the 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."

Traditionally, Consett has always had decorations which are renewed and improved from time to time, but the council is responding to public calls for improved lights this year.

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

Coun 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.

"While not the complete display that we would have liked, it will certainly go some way to help us improve things for visitors to the town centre.

"We want to encourage local companies to play their part in helping us improve the decorations in Consett.

"Dysart's generous sponsorship is a big boost to the funds we will have available and I'm hoping it will persuade other business owners to come forward."

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 personality to perform the big switch-on in early December.

To get involved in brightening the town, call the district council on (01207) 218000.