A project to unlock the history of Heckmondwike's impressive festive illuminations hopes to shed light on the event's beginnings.

Neil West and Kim Strickson have begun gathering stories, memories and photographs for an exhibition later this year.

But what they are short of is hard facts.

The pair, from Kirklees Community History Service, hope to find out exactly when the Christmas lights began. It is believed to be 1885.

"The centenary is being celebrated this year as the first electric lights were used in 1905," said Mrs Strickson. "Before that they were gas and we have evidence of a poster from 1904 in the West Yorkshire archive collection which says there were illuminations.

"But we need hard facts. Some information can be gleaned from local newspaper archives, council minutes and old guide books, but other historical gems are locked away in the memories of local people."

The exhibition is scheduled for November and will chart the illumination's history - renowned locally as the inspiration for the famous Blackpool lights. The 1950s and 60s were the heyday for the Heckmondwike lights, giving the town the nicknames Little Blackpool and the Fairyland of the North.

In 1985, to mark 100 years since the gas illuminations first hit the town, thousands of pounds were spent on hiring displays from Blackpool - but the plan backfired costing so much there was no budget left for the following year.

A stall is being set up in Heckmondwike open market on Tuesday from 9.30am to 3pm where the pair hope residents with information or stories will attend.

They want to track down photographs of the illuminations by RA Clayborn and information about Noel Wadsworth, former secretary of Heckmondwike's Chamber of Trade - said to be the man who knew more about the lights than anyone. There will also be sessions once a week throughout August for young people living in the town to have a unique input into the light show.

Heckmondwike artist Shakila Mumtaz will be working with a group to design a new light sculpture to go up in the town. They will also contribute work to the exhibition.

The sessions will take place the Young Batley Centre and transport will be provided for those participating. Contact Mr West or Mrs Strickson on (01484) 223804.

The centenary celebrations will see extra lights being added to the usual glittering display in honour of the occasion. Plans are underway to create additional displays depicting heroes of the town in lights. These would go up around Heckmondwike in October with more lights being added in December.