Braintree is in danger of being left in the dark this festive season unless more money can be raised to put up this year's Christmas lights.

Money for the lights, and the erection of them, is always raised by donations and sponsorships from local companies, traders and organisations, and as in past years.

The Essex Chronicle is donating £200 towards the appeal, and is urging other companies to help.

Sharon Fouracres, tourism manager for the Braintree district said: "Although we actually have the lights, we do not have enough money to pay for the contractors to come in and fix them up.

"Because of the new legislation laws, this a lot more expensive to do now," she said.

So far only about £2,000 has been raised - but £3,500 is still needed.

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