THE official switch-on of the Christmas lights in Northallerton will take place on Friday.

But town councillors are warning that the future of the illuminations is under threat because of a lack of funds.

The Northallerton Christmas Illuminations Working Group has been trying to raise £14,000 towards the cost of the scheme.

Last year's appeal raised £10,000, which paid for new lights for the town. This year, the money has paid for the timing equipment in the street light columns to be upgraded.

The work has meant that expensive lifting equipment is not needed to gain access to the lighting controls.

However, the town council says the upgrade has greatly depleted the money available for the illuminations themselves.

A statement released by the authority said: "If more donations are not forthcoming, the future of the Christmas illuminations in the town may be in jeopardy, as the town council may feel that it does not wish to continue supporting a scheme when enough donations are not received."

The lights on the town hall Christmas tree will be switched on at 6pm on Friday by the commanding officer of RAF Leeming, Group Captain Ian Morrison.

Northallerton Silver Band will play carols and take part in a short service, conducted by the Reverend Rodney Breckon.

Traders in the town will open for late-night shopping.