THANK you Dorchester.

That was the message last night from campaigners who raised more than £23,000 to help make the county town sparkle for Christmas 2004.

Members of the Decorate Dorchester Campaign have taken less than nine months to raise the cash they hope will help light up the town over the festive season.

And they used an evening celebration to unveil the proposed lights to the public for the first time.

The many businesses and organisations in and around Dorchester who have supported the campaign through the 500 club and through other donations were given a sneak preview of the lights, which will go up on South Street and along Trinity Street.

The public was then invited to catch a glimpse of what is to come this year.

Debbi Smith of Poundbury said: "I do think they are stunning. If there's going to be plenty of them then that's marvellous. They will be a big improvement on last year."

Her friend Katrina Parry said: "I think they are brilliant."

Earlier Margaret Morrissey, chairman of the Decorate Dorchester Campaign, explained to those gathered at the display that 12 sets of red, silver and gold lights would be going up and down South Street and would be flashing.

Lights will also be going up on the lampposts in Trinity Street and at the Top o' Town. The town hall will be decorated and the two trees near Wimpy will be given a festive sparkle.

Mrs Morrissey said: "I am really chuffed with the way the whole campaign has gone overall the response has been superb.

"I hope that the two or three people who have doubted we could achieve something will now enjoy the display as much as us.

"There are so many people who, without their help, it wouldn't have happened and I want to thank them all.

"Everyone has pulled together, it's marvellous - so thank you, Dorchester."

Mark Evans, of Great Western Camping who launched the 500 Club with the help of Julian Nangle of Words Etc, said he was delighted with the response.

Mr Evans, who is teasurer of the appeal, said: "It's been a tremendous achievement by everyone.

"Back in December people said we did not have a chance, but here we are today with a fantastic display on the cards having raised £23,500.

"We have had donations from pensioners, youngsters and different groups, as well as all those who became members of the 500 Club.

"Everyone has pulled together."

Dorchester Mayor Tim Harries said it was fantastic that everyone was pulling together.

"They are jolly good," he said. "I think everyone has done a fantastic job to get to this stage in such a short time.

"We should all be very grateful to Margaret and her team, who have worked day and night to get this off the ground."

Coun Harries will be on hand on December 2 at Dorchester Cracker night to switch on the Christmas lights.

The Decorate Dorchester campaign was launched after last year's display was branded the worst in Britain for the third year in a row by the Daily Mirror.