SUPPORT for a fundraising campaign to add some sparkle to Steeton and Eastburn this Christmas is snowballing.

A group set-up to spearhead the effort is being backed by the parish council, as well as villagers and businesses.

And district councillor Andrew Mallinson has donated £500 from his Craven ward funding allocation.

The campaign aims to reinstate the lights on the villages' Christmas trees, following criticisms of a poor showing last year.

A coffee morning in aid of the cause is being held at Steeton Hall Hotel on Saturday (Nov 15), from 10am to noon.

Also, a children's design-a-bauble competition is taking place, with winners being given the chance to switch on the lights.

Group chairman Janet Pickles said: "There is obviously a strong desire in the community to work together in the provision of Christmas lights.

"The intention is to then progress from this project to provide future community-based family activities, promoting and supporting a traditional village atmosphere.

"The group – consisting of members from both villages – has been formed from a desire to foster a firmer community spirit in and between the two villages, and has a decided wish to work in conjunction with the parish council and Bradford Council."

Parish council chairman, Councillor David Mullen, said: "The council is very pleased that a community group is raising funding for additional Christmas lights and we look forward to working with it in the future."