A fundraising campaign which aims to raise money for new Christmas lights has reached the half way mark.
The Town Team in Bishop Auckland has raised over £10,000 towards the £20,000 required for the new decorations. A grant has also been received from The Sir James Knott Trust.
The team are aiming to raise the remaining £10,000 before autumn so that an order can be placed in readiness for this Christmas.
This weekend a Name the Bear competition was held in the Newgate Centre, and china mugs and fridge magnets are also being sold to raise funds.
The Town Team was established in order to apply for funding as a Portas Pilot, but has since organised events and other initiatives in the town.