MORE than £1,500 was raised at a fund-raising event in aid of Haltwhistle’s annual Christmas lights display.

The afternoon tea event, at Haltwhistle Methodist Hall last Thursday, was organised by Christine Dover, Yvonne Osler, and a team of volunteers.

Coun. Alan Sharp, chairman of Haltwhistle Town Council, was on hand to draw the raffle during the well-attended afternoon.

The £1,531 raised will go towards the popular lights display, which has been run by Haltwhistle Chamber of Trade for the past 30 years.

The Chamber of Trade’s Catherine Davidson said: “The afternoon tea was all about people working together for the town.

“Christine, Yvonne, and their magnificent helpers did a wonderful job, and a lot of people came along and gave their support.

“There was home baking and everyone enjoyed themselves. It takes about a month to prepare for an event like this, so we are grateful to all involved for their efforts.”

Catherine said the money raised will go towards maintenance of the Christmas lights.

There could also be some new additions to the display, following on from the success of last year’s ‘Welcome to Haltwhistle’ illumination on Westgate.