CAMPAIGNERS hope to trip the light fantastic with Dorchester's 2005 Christmas display.

Plans are already well in hand for this year's festive lights.

Specialists will be in town later this month to check the wiring at the points where lights were installed last year and then next month it is hoped that all the fixtures and fittings will be in place.

Margaret Morrissey, chairman of the Decorate Dorchester committee, said once Christmas arrived the plan was just to fit the lights and switch them on.

"We are hoping to expand the display to include High West and High East Streets and we want to have all the infrastructure in place so the expansion goes as smoothly as possible." She said that although money was in place to fund some of the work, the committee was hoping to raise a further £10,000 to boost the appeal and the extent of the display.

"We have sent out letters to local businesses and we are conscious that we did say that the payments last year would be a one-off but we are hopeful that shops and businesses in the town will get on board and donate what they can, because every little helps.

"We are particularly keen to get the multi-nationals on board this year because although some made donations last year not all did, and I am prepared to name and shame if they don't donate."

Mrs Morrissey said she was also keen to encourage families to donate to the appeal. "If families donate something then the lights will get better. We're not asking for too much but every little will help us achieve our goals.

"It was fantastic seeing the children's faces light up last year when the lights were switched on - a small donation this year will ensure that the magic continues."

The appeal to light up Dorchester was launched after the Daily Mirror criticised the town's 2003 display as the worst in Britain for the third year in a row.

Campaigners collected £25,000 last year as a result and the money was used to improve the lights in South Street, Trinity Street and at Top o' Town.

Anyone interested in helping raise money or making a donation to the appeal should contact Mrs Morrissey on 01305 250366.