THE Ilminster Christmas Lights Committee has said a massive thank you to everyone at the Royal Oak pub in the town for its recent fundraising efforts which have amassed more than £3,000.

An initial fundraiser at the Royal Oak in Ditton Street in June raised £442.50 and then last month a beach party-style event coined in the amazing sum of £2,650.57, which was boosted by a further donation of £210 from Ilminster Cricket Club.

Christmas lights committee chairman, Clinton Bonner, said: “We would like to express our sincere thanks to the Ilminster Christmas Lights Girls." for their magnificent efforts in raising money in memory of their dear friend Viv Joslyn in aid of the town’s festive lights display.

“We were amazed at the totals and the speed at which the funds were raised and would also like to thank Steve and Cindy Rutter of the Royal Oak for their support.”

Clinton added: “There will be a new garland In Viv’s memory to go across the entrance to Ditton Street and another display outside the Royal Oak.

“Everyone will be able to see the results of their efforts after the switch-on of the Christmas Lights on November 27.

“It is wonderful that Viv will be remembered in this way and we would again like to thank everyone concerned.”

Organisers of the fundraising events at the Royal Oak have already thanked everyone who helped to make them such a success.