YOU can help light up the lives of thousands of people in Preston, by donating just a few pence.

And, what's more, you'll see your money well spent in time to bring in the Millennium.

This week the Citizen is launching an appeal - the Divine Light Appeal - to help raise enough money to light up the pride of Preston - St John's Church.

One of the town's most historic buildings, St John's has been hidden away in the shadows of Church Street for too long.

Now we want to help the Parish Prospect Preston (PPP) transform it into a centrepiece - to attract tourists and worshippers alike.

The PPP has plans to install hi-tec lighting in the grounds, and on the building, to highlight the dramatic architecture.

But despite gaining Preston Borough Council's permission to erect the lighting system, and Preston Police's support, PPP fund-raisers have yet to find the full £65,000 needed to pay for it.

They have already attracted a £30,000 cash pledge towards the project from the Churches Floodlighting Fund - on condition it is ready to be switched on for December 31, 1999.

But they won't get the green light to go ahead unless the raise the remaining £35,000 in the next six weeks.

Roger Argall, PPP fund-raiser, said: "This will be the only permanent marker for the Millennium in Preston.

"We have the support of the local authority and the police, who want St John's floodlit to stop crime. Now all we need is the cash.

"If everyone in Preston donated just £1 to the scheme before September 30, we could easily afford to light up the church. We're appealing to people's civic pride to help us fulfil our ambitions.

"The scheme is just part of the PPP's two million-pound renovation of St George's and St John's parish churches. The project will provide community facilities for everyone."

Chief Inspector Bob Helm said: "The police wholeheartedly support this project.

"Lighting up St John's would help reduce nuisance and disorder in that area and enhance the look of the town centre."

SEND donations to PPP, St John's Church, Church Street, Preston.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.