Kidderminster's Christmas lights are saved

This year's Christmas lights display and switch-on ceremony in Kidderminster have been saved - although the event has been scaled down, it emerged today.

The switch-on, one of the major events in the town, was at risk as organisers needed to raise a further £10,000 towards the £19,500 total cost of the event.

They struggled to raise the cash due to funding cuts and a lack of donations.

However, organisers cut costs for entertainment and lights meaning a smaller scale event costing £14,000 is expected to go ahead.

Town centre manager Jackie Roberts said: "I'm delighted but there's still an awful lot of work to do."

Mrs Roberts today vowed the town would have a lights display this year.

She needs to find the money by January - when the bill for the lights will be due - and is hoping a local business will offer to make a donation.

Last month Mrs Roberts told the Express & Star that the display and switch-on would not go ahead unless £10,000 was raised.

Total cost of the lights and switch-on has since been cut by £5,500 meaning only £4,500 is needed. The stage will also be smaller .

Businesses have offered to pay for singers to perform.

A shortfall was caused by a cut in donations by three shopping centres.

The Swan, Weavers Wharf and Rowland Hill centres gave £3,000 each for three years up to 2009. This was cut to £1,000 each last year.

Worcestershire County Council gave a one-off £7,000 grant last year but that is not available.

Wyre Forest District Council has given £5,000 towards the lights.