PEEBLES Christmas Lights Committee is calling on people power to keep the town twinkling.

In 2008 the future of the Christmas Lights Committee looked bleak, prompting a last ditch attempt to save the annual festive display.

Current secretary of the committee Anne Snoddy said: “The association at that time had no chairman, secretary or treasurer, and only two people remained from the previous committee. Financially the £7,000 needed each year to put up and take down the hired lighting displays were no longer sustainable. The association owned just 21 wall mounted displays.”

But, thanks to a new committee, office bearers and volunteers, the town has continued to sparkle ever since.

And, by 2018 Christmas lights adorned the High Street, the Old Town, the Northgate, the Eastgate and School Brae.

Anne explained: “More wall mounts have been purchased as well as stars and Christmas trees on the Chambers Institution, vertical rope lights on the façade of the Tontine Hotel, Santa and his sleigh dashing across the front of the Eastgate Theatre, and of course the large Beltane crest in Tontine Square, and the new crest welcoming visitors to Peebles.

“The association owns all the bulbs, frames, rope lights and electrical equipment and our finances are in a healthy state.”

But in order to deck the halls, committee members are hoping residents will help keep the lights shining bright in festive seasons to come.

“The current committee consists of just eight people,” said Anne. “While we are always indebted to the volunteers who help us with putting up and taking down the lights, as well as fundraising, we need more committee members to bring fresh ideas, help to look after our assets and contribute to decision making.”

The committee meets about six times a year from September onwards. Anne added: “Other commitments include our annual coffee morning, manning a stall at the Bridge Christmas Market and organising the switch on night. Putting up the lights involves working on two Sunday mornings, some evenings, and taking them down is done on one Sunday morning in January.

“Between times members with practical skills check the ropes of lights, the wiring, and repair the wall mounts as necessary. We also have to liaise closely with Scottish Borders Council to ensure everything we do, including the switch on night, meets all their health and safety requirements.”

If you think you could be a festive lights elf and help the committee light up Peebles, contact Anne Snoddy, Secretary at annesnoddy@hotmail.com or by phoning 01721 722882.