TAVISTOCK's popular Dickensian Evening and the town's Christmas lights will go ahead — thanks to a last-minute cash lifeline.
Last month, the town's chamber of commerce, which organises both events, issued an urgent appeal for funding after revealing it faced a £5,000 shortfall in the £11,000 required to stage them both.
Now, West Devon Borough Council has agreed to provide a safety net, so the arrangements for the lights and Dickensian Evening can go full steam ahead.
Nigel Eadie, chairman of Tavistock Chamber of Commerce, said: 'We are absolutely delighted that the borough has responded in such a positive way.
'We know what pressure the council's budgets are under, so to come up with help, especially at this stage, is more than we could have hoped for.
'It means that the town will be lit up once again and Dickensian Evening will be at least as good as in previous years.'
Cllr Chris Jenkins, chairman of West Devon's environment and community committee, said: 'The borough council recognises the contribution these events make to the overall prosperity of the town and is therefore willing to bridge the gap, so that the chamber can go ahead with its arrangements with greater confidence, especially with time running short.'
The Christmas lights will be switched on in Tavistock on Friday November 28 at 7pm.
Dickensian Evening will be staged on Friday December 5, when residents and visitors will be able to savour a sociable shopping experience with a Victorian flavour, complete with street entertainment and music.