PEOPLE desperate to ensure Taunton has its Christmas lights this year have received a boost.

Waste company Viridor has just pledged £1,500 to an appeal to raise £25,000 by the start of next week.

The pledge to a crowdfunding initiative to light up the county town over the festive period means the target organisers now have to find is under £10,000.

Mark Davenport, who is running the on-line initiative, said: "It's great news and will hopefully put the wheels back in motion."

Taunton Deane Council has agreed to match fund up to £10,000.

A big push is being made to bring in the rest of the funding over the next five days.

District councillor Kelly Durdan raised the money for the town's lights over the past two years after the now defunct Taunton Town Centre Company failed to find the funds.

To donate click on either the crowdfunding or Make Taunton Sparkle link or call Ms Durdan on 07789-871856.