PEOPLE in Burley in Wharfedale are being invited to make donations as the village prepares to switch on its Christmas lights this weekend.

A live broadcast is being planned at 4.30pm on November 28 - and because the opportunities for fundraising have been limited this year local people will be given the chance to chip in.

Burley Community Trust said: “Despite these challenging times, Burley in Wharfedale is determined that this year’s village Christmas lights should still shine out with as many light installations as possible around the village to brighten Christmas. Thank you to Tom Sumner and his team of carefully distanced volunteers.

“As there can’t be the traditional switch-on ceremony or either of the Christmas markets, Burley in Wharfedale Community Trust is leading on two new elements to fill the gap. One of these is a family quiz based on walking round the village and looking at the main lights. It will be launched online via the village website and in print on Saturday 28th November - the day the lights will be turned on.

“Any homes and organisations which are planning a visible outdoor display will be plotted on a new Christmas trail, with a map showing the locations all around the village.”

The link for the trail is http://bit.ly/bwctTrail or it can be found via the facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Burley-Christmas-Trail. The registration deadline is Sunday, November 29 but if people want to co-ordinate their home switch-ons, 4.30pm on Saturday, November 28 is suggested.

The trust said:”Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, the opportunities to fundraise for the lights is somewhat limited this year and the village does not get funding from Bradford Council. The lights are paid for in the main by the Community Trust, the Parish Council and public donations. So the Trust is planning to set up a card reader for donations in the Deli and a giving page as well as collecting tins in cafes and takeaways. The Wharfedale Deli also has a competition and is offering Christmas afternoon teas with a contribution towards the lights fund. In the Co-op there is a grand raffle with a top prize of a £100 hamper.”

Visit https://www.burleycommunitytrust.org/ to join or to make donations.