Bishop Auckland traders are digging into their pockets to light up the town for Christmas.

For the first time for many years, festive shoppers will be treated to a blaze of colour along Newgate Street with smaller displays in the Market Place and Forebondgate.

New town centre manager Derek Toon aims to have coloured stars and streamers on every one of the 33 lamp posts along the street and already has enough funds in his budget to pay for 11.

Some traders have already agreed to foot the £300 bill for sponsoring a motif for the next three years, most of them choosing to light up a lamp post outside their own shop.

Bishop Auckland Town Centre Forum is backing the venture and the town's MP Derek Foster is paying for one of the illuminations.

Mr Toon said: "Traders have been very supportive and we have high hopes that this Christmas will be good for the town.

"Having Christmas lights brightens up the whole street and should encourage people to come in. If they see it is bright and cheery they will come.

"It is something we can't afford not to do."

The prospect of Christmas lights has lifted the mood among shopkeepers. Some have already reported an upsurge in business over the summer months, after years in the doldrums.

The town's Chamber of Trade is working hard to recruit members and there is strong support for a £100,000 advertising and marketing campaign aimed at boosting business and creating jobs.

Caf owner Sam Zair said: "Trade should pick up tremendously. Everything seems to be coming together.

"Last Christmas we were at an all time low. We didn't have Christmas lights because of safety fears and everyone who came into the town as well as people who live here said it was miserable.

"This year things are a lot more positive and the lights should make a big difference.

"We all owe a great deal of thanks to the new town centre manager, who is really making things happen. It is marvellous."