POULTON'S Christmas lights are to shine again this year - and at least until the Millennium - thanks to another cash injection from Elletson Publishing Company.

Owner Gary Dean came to the rescue last year after the town had remained in the dark for four years due to lack of funds.

This year he has donated £10,000 which, with Wyre Borough Council's £4,000 contribution, he believes will provide for a spectacular switch-on on November 28.

Proceedings start at 3pm in Poulton Square with a roadshow from Radio Wave.

Keith Harris and Orville, along with Syd Little, provide the celebrity element with the switch being flicked at 5.30pm.

A laser show will shine from the top of St Chad's Church and exciting extras include a 30ft Christmas tree with 2,000 white lights as well as several 8ft illuminated santas and snowmen.

Gary Dean commented: "Last year's switch-on was a big success and we want it to be a massive Christmas party this year.

"So whether you live in Poulton or not, just come along because we can promise you a night to remember."

Fleetwood Christmas lights have also been saved by a £1,000 donation from the Freeport shopping village.

Half of the £7,000 cost had been put in by Wyre Borough Council and the Fleetwood Regeneration Partnership, but after asking local businesses to donate the other half they found themselves just short of the grand total.

A spokesman for shopping village said: "Freeport is a great believer in supporting the local community.

"When we found the fund was £1,000 short we gladly donated the money."

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