EFFORTS to add more sparkle to Chard's Christmas lights display this year are gathering pace.

Holyrood Street traders have held a meeting to discuss how their combined efforts could help create a more festive atmosphere around the town, after a display last year which left many underwhelmed.

Neil Stoker, of Gordon Stoker and Sons jewellers, said: "We discussed a range of ways in which this year's display could be improved. We want more Holyrood Street traders to have a Christmas tree and we've been in discussions with the Christmas Lights Committee about getting more lights this year.

"We also want there to be more events for this year's lighting-up event, so there is more going on around the town and not just near the Guildhall. We want festive things, like a brass band or a choir."

The traders' next meeting will be held on June 27, in The Gallery, behind Hooked on Books, in Holyrood Street.

Mr Stoker added: "We'll be contacting more traders nearer the time to get more support. We have to take a lead on this - we can't just sit back and wait for the town council to do everything."