Those who are interested in donating should an email to mandynewman55@icloud.com

It may only be June but preparations are already under way in Honiton to gather donations for more Christmas lights this year.

Mandy Newman, member of the town’s Christmas lights committee and owner of Beauchamp Place, in Honiton, is appealing to businesses to dip into their pockets and help the lights appeal.

Speaking to the Herald, she said: “Our target is to have lights on every lamppost in High Street and New Street - and to light up the trees by the church in the middle of Honiton.

“[Bloodbikes charity] Devon Freewheelers very kindly store the lights for us at the moment, but as we buy more, we may need some alternative space.

“If any business has unused space available to help us, please let us know.”

Last year, a similar appeal for Christmas lights saw more than 40 businesses donate and help rack up more than £4,000 to ensure Honiton shone bright throughout the Christmas period.

And Mandy is calling on those who did not donate to consider dipping into their pockets to help.

“Whilst we will be asking everyone in the town to keep contributing to the fund, we are particularly appealing to businesses that did not contribute last year, to donate this year,” she said.

“For the cost of an average advert in the newspaper, they could pay for a light which could then be used year on year.”

Mandy will be visiting businesses around Honiton in upcoming weeks to gather support.

She added: “Having successfully purchased 13 lights last year, we would like to double the quantity for this year.

“We have purchased four more lights in recent weeks with money we were unable to use at Christmas, as it was too late to purchase any more. We want to buy more before the end of summer so that we have more planning time to give Honiton a better display.”

Those who are interested in donating can visit Mandy in her shop, or send her an email: mandynewman55@icloud.com