Starting at 6.30 in the morning and only taking a "record breaking" six hours, Helston's Christmas Lights were taken down last Sunday, and I would just like to say a few thank you's following another successful year: Thanks to all the businesses in town that donate free electricity to keep the displays lit for six weeks.

A big thanks to my loyal team of helpers who, regardless of the weather, assist in erecting the various displays around the town, as well as over fifty small trees on the shop fronts. This task takes three Sundays prior to the switch-on day and involves early starts as well - 5am we were in town on the first Sunday! (Thanks to their partners for putting up with their absence from home on Sundays during November!) Thanks to Hayden Wallis, Penventon Farm, Helston, for the free use of his JCB teleporter lift which enables us to reach some of the more awkward displays safely (rather than balancing dangerously at the top of a ladder!).

Thanks to Culdrose personnel for transporting and erecting the main Christmas tree in front of the Monument, and organising the PA sound system on the switch-on evening.

Thanks to "Mothers" for cooking pasties and bacon butties for us the Sundays - "stronger" refreshments were kindly supplied by The Seven Stars, The Red Lion, The Beehive and The Royal British Legion. After six hours running up and down ladders, a few beers always seem to go down well!

Dozens of people have stopped me in the street over the last few weeks to say how nice Helston's lights are, and we, as a committee, are proud of what we do to brighten up our town during the festive period. This brings me on to my final thanks - to all the businesses and general public that have made donations towards the lights fund.

A reasonable amount of donations have been received this year so, for a change, we can start next year with a small credit balance, but there are several businesses that usually donate and may have overlooked to do so. Your donations are vital to keep our lights display one of the best in the South West, so please, its not too late to send your donation to Helston Christmas Lights', 10 Meneage Street, Helston. TR13 8AB.

I wish everyone a Happy and prosperous New Year!

Robert Williams, chairman of Helston Christmas Lights Committee