A PORTISHEAD company has donated £1,000 to help support the town's festival illuminations this year.

The lights will be put up by volunteers in the town centre on Sunday, November 26.

The official switch-on will happen between 6.15-6.45pm on Monday, November 27 in the High Street, opposite the junction with Combe Road.

Glyn and Helen Lawrence, from funeral company F H Halliday & Son, have been supporting Portishead Christmas lights for many years.

Glyn said: “I can remember my father Edward Lawrence actively helping to put the lights up each year.

"In the 1960s we used to allow the electricity board to park in the yard when they erected the lights. We are very pleased to still be supporting the fantastic display."

James Marsh, Glyn and Helen's future son-in-law, handed Stuart Hamer, the lights chairman, a cheque for £1,000. James said: "We are very grateful to the volunteers who ensure we have a mile or more of coloured bulbs shining throughout December each year - they are a credit to all involved.”

Stuart added: “The lights are funded each year thanks to a town council grant, fundraising, donations and the support of local businesses like F H Halliday."