PORTISHEAD Christmas lights committee is appealing to the whole community to help fund the town’s annual illuminations.

Organisers of the festive display, which the town is so proud of, have launched a textile recycling drive, hoping to raise more than �1,000 for the lights, which attract hundreds of visitors from across the South West.

The committee relies solely on volunteers, fundraising and grant aid to deliver the annual display and members are urging every resident to clear out their wardrobes and donate any unwanted clothing, curtains or bedding - but not quilts or pillows.

Volunteers will collect the items from the doorstep, but organisers are appealing to the community, from the WI to schools, to also help by organising group collections and they are asking each street to appoint a person to act as co-ordinator.

The unwanted items will then be weighed by Bristol Textile Recyclers who will pay 40p per kilo and, as a bonus, the items will then be redistributed to those in need.

Volunteer Dennis O’Neil said: “Recycled in this way, people’s cast-offs become someone else’s gifts and on top of that, we get a donation to keep our lights shining.

“It’s a double whammy and doesn’t really cost anyone anything but a bit of time.”

Members of the community can call Dennis on 01275 843646 to arrange collection from their home or business.

Last year, more than �750 was raised for the lights from unwanted textiles.