TRICKS of the theatre lighting trade are being used to brighten up a key location.

After successfully lighting shows at Durham's Gala Theatre for the past year, its chief electrician, Keir Webster, was asked to turn his attention to Millennium Square, where the theatre stands.

Durham City Council, which owns the site, wanted to brighten up the square to make it a festive focal point, so asked Mr Webster to devise a lighting scheme.

He came up with several lights projecting patterns and messages and an open air display light.

Mr Webster said: "People have said they have seen it from five or six miles away, which means it is doing its job. We have a lot of computer software running some very expensive lights from 4.30pm to 11pm. There are going to be a few changes to coincide with the theatre's first anniversary, around January 15, so people should watch out then."