MEMBERS of an Ilminster group have pledged their support for the town's successful Christmas lights switch on event by donating more than £600 to the committee.

Alan Rudkin, president of the Lions Club of Ilminster and District, presenting a cheque for £610 to the chairman of the lights committee, Clinton Bonner.

A spokesman for the Lions club said: "Clinton’s father Mike, along with Tony Davis, started the lights switch on tradition more than 20 years ago.

"It was 1995 when the then mayor Mary Hodges had the honour of switching the Ilminster Christmas Lights on for the first time. A small group watched as the one tree lit up the Minster churchyard.  

"From that small beginning the spectacle, we have today with Clinton and his team of 20 unpaid volunteers working hard to light up the town each Christmas.

"Ilminster Lions are proud to have been in on the operation from the start, donating more than £10,000 over the years.

"With maintenance and pieces needing to be replaced, the cost each year is in excess of £6000."