A Facebook team has stepped in to save Whittlesey Christmas lights after fears that 2015 could be the last year the town was treated to a sparkling seasonal display.

Cambs Times: Whittlesey Christmas ExtravaganzaWhittlesey Christmas Extravaganza (Image: Archant)

New life has been breathed into the Christmas Lights Committee after eight people volunteered to help keep the tradition alive.

Within just two days of the social media rally cry for help, more than £250 has been given in donations and £700 in bids for goodies in an online auction including prizes of a kayak, a meal for two, private pool hire, weekend hire of an Audi TT and a painting from a local artist.

Colin Martin, one of the admin team of Whittlesey Discussion Page, said: “There was a real fear that after this year the lights tradition would stop.

“The plea for help began after our lights were criticised on our Facebook page.

“At first it caused a storm but in the long run it has done us good as people have rallied round and we have got the town behind us.

“We now want to make sure we save our lights for years to come.

“I have two young children and a grandchild and I want them to be able to enjoy Christmas lights for years to come.

“Some of the existing committee members have been doing it for 30 years, they have done an amazing job, but it’s time they were given help with some new blood coming in to join the team. The response has been overwhelming.”

Businesses have stepped in to offer prizes, somebody has printed 1,000 pens with Whittlesey Christmas Lights on and an anonymous woman has came forward and brought 415 of the pens, one for each child, at Park Lane School at a cost of £415 - an amazing gesture, said Mr Martin.

Volunteers are stepping on to the committee and plans are in place for fund raising events including a Mr and Mrs quiz night, a disco and race nights.

To help keep the lights alive in Whittlesey donations can be taken into Wrights clothes shop in Market Street or contact Mr Martin via Whittlesey Discussion Page.