BLACKBURN traders branded the town second best when it comes to Christmas lights - but vowed to boost its yuletide illuminations.

The Chamber of Trade has now appealed to Blackburn with Darwen Council to help the area to rival other shopping centres.

Its president, Ray Goldstone, today said the town needed more festive spirit and pressed for more displays. He said Blackburn was far behind the likes of Preston and said people visiting Blackburn would be disappointed.

He added: "The centre is the flower of a town, we need to be up to speed. It should be more of a priority. Lack of money is not an excuse."

He said the lights - usually situated in King William Street and Darwen Street - should be extended.

An article in a North West business magazine listed Blackburn in the top ten "grimmest" towns last month. En, a monthly magazine with over 12,000 readers, claimed it needed an urgent makeover.

But Mr Goldstone said more pride should be taken in Blackburn's image, adding: "If we can improve the centre at a potential money-making time such as Christmas, more people would come possibly ridding Blackburn of this poor reputation."

He revealed he wanted to set up a team, including members of the council, to plan next year's lights.

This year's display will be switched on by pop star Peter Andre on Thursday.