A MAD dash was made - the day before Whitehaven's Christmas lights switch-on - to bring Blackpool's famous illuminations to town!

In a race against the clock, Jayne Laine, of the Christmas in Whitehaven committee, travelled to the seaside town on Saturday to collect the lights.

And a team of Cumbria County Council staff put the festive lights up on Sunday morning - hours before the switch-on event.

Blackpool's lights are now brightening up Duke Street and a section of Lowther Street. 

They have been added to the festive lights, previously owned by Copeland Council, and new ones bought from Lumalite.

Miss Laine, committee member and Whitehaven town councillor, says she is "happy" with the display, adding: "We want to instill some civic pride in our town".

The ambitious plan to buy Blackpool's lights was thought up by the Whitehaven in Christmas committee. This is a joint venture between Whitehaven Town Council, Whitehaven and District Chamber of Trade and co-opted individuals.

Miss Laine and Charles Maudling, fellow committee member, met Richard Ryan the illumination's manager for Blackpool Council two weeks ago.

Mr Maudling said: "He gave us a tour of the lights - it was like being a kid in a sweet shop!"

The pair showed Mr Ryan photos of Whitehaven and outlined their ideas.

Mr Maudling said Mr Ryan expressed an interest to come to Whitehaven to plan future Christmas lights displays. The committee will contact him early next year to discuss this further.

In the meantime, the committee bought a selection of lights for this year's display. More lights will be put up in coming weeks.

Whitehaven Town Council paid for the new lights. 

Popsteps raised £1,100 for the switch-on at a fundraiser. And £1,000 was raised on Sunday through photo opportunities, sleigh rides and donations from the fun fair. Another fundraiser is taking place by Popsteps and Dance Ranch.

See our picture special at the lights switch on: pages 12/13