COSTS to light up a market town for the festive season could increase dramatically, a local council has warned.

Barnard Castle Town Council's Christmas Festival Committee says health and safety legislation and the replacement of old equipment means the cost of its lighting and Christmas tree display may double over the coming years.

The council allocates £5,000 a year from its budget for the lighting. But town mayor and Christmas lights volunteer Councillor John Yarker said this could go up to £10,000.

This year, the council has had to allocate an extra £2,600 from its contingencies fund to replace faulty equipment.

And Durham County Council officials say the electrical transformer for the Christmas tree is a health and safety risk and must be replaced.

Last month, the town council attracted criticism when it announced it would only be having a reduced lights display.

Coun Yarker said if the town was to have a complete display next year the cost of the lights would have to be about £10,000.

The town council hopes to attract local businesses to help sponsor the lights next year.

* Volunteers are needed for a few hours to help put up the lights on Sunday, November 20. To help, meet at the Market Cross at 8am.