RESIDENTS of Okehampton are still being encouraged to get involved with the co-ordination of the town’s Christmas lights later this month.

At the beginning of October Donald Rooke, who has co-ordinated the wonderful display of Christmas lights in Okehampton for 35 years, announced he would step down from the role. Okehampton and District Chamber of Trade is now on the look-out for Donald’s replacement.

Speaking at a recent chamber of trade meeting, chamber chairperson Donna Tombs said: ‘Donald needs helpers on Sunday, November 22 to get the lights up. He normally does it with a good group of friends but this year we are keen to recruit more people to help so they can learn about the work that goes into putting the lights up.

‘In the past there has been a woeful lack of turnout from chamber members. We hope that will change this year. Anyone interested can meet Donald at 7.30am to 8am to get involved.’

The chamber of trade is responsible for the town’s Christmas light display each year, putting up the lights, changing faulty bulbs as they arise and raising thousands of pounds in funding each year to ensure a great display. Donald has been at the heart of that effort for 35 years alongside a team of volunteers.

The Christmas lights is proving a particularly major operation this year with anchor bolts needing testing and funding needed to pay for the display.

Nigel Wayne, chamber of trade treasurer said: ‘We could be spending a number of thousands, potentially up to £9,000 on everything to include the Christmas trees. If we spend £9,000, we would drain our funds right down. Hopefully we can raise £4,000 to £5,000 from business donations, so hopefully we shouldn’t deplete our funds too much.’

l If you can help in any way e-mail [email protected] or call in to Donald’s Menswear on Fore Street or Rockin’ Beads in Red Lion Yard.