Weather presenter Paul Hudson will brave Burley-in-Wharfedale to switch on the very Christmas lights he ridiculed last year.

Paul, a familiar face on BBC Look North, caused uproar last year when he suggested to Look North presenter Peter Levy he had 'more lights in his kitchen' than the village had Christmas lights.

But following his comments to Peter - who had the honour of switching on last year's Christmas lights - Paul agreed to make amends and perform the big switch-on this year.

The ceremony, on Friday, December 3, will be live on Look North. The village community council felt it highly appropriate that Paul be allowed to make up for his slur. Speaking seconds before rushing into the studio for his afternoon broadcast, he said: "Oh, I'm very much looking forward to switching on the lights. I wonder if they have any more sawdust-filled pies for me this time?"

Following the controversy, he did present a weather broadcast live from the village, on which occasion he was presented with a straw-filled pie from a village butcher as 'revenge' .

The community council has secured the celebrity to perform the honours, but project manager Tom Sumner has appealed for help in making sure the display itself is better than ever.

In a letter to village residents and businesses, Mr Sumner said: "A Burley Community Council-led team has ensured for the last 18 years the village has had a display to be proud of. I am sure that you will have noticed that Burley had a wonderful display last year. This year we hope to do even better, both by extending the display and by having sufficient spares on hand."

However, while the lights were in storage a serious fire completely burnt out two of the snowmen features worth £825. Lack of funds presently means these cannot be replaced.

Villagers have been asked to help in a variety of ways: displaying a collecting tin; running a raffle; undertaking a similar fundraising event; a donation towards the cost of some Christmas light materials

Anyone wanting to help should ring Tom Sumner on 01943 862940.

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