Penryn's Christmas Lights Committee will be hoping to dazzle anew this winter with a crowdfunder campaign to buy £3,000 worth of new illuminations.

The annual switch-on is one of the highlights of the town's calendar, and this year the committee is hoping to buy new lights to replace the old and dimming bulbs which the team has been keeping alive for many years.

The lights are funded solely by donations and each year a team of volunteers takes to the streets from late autumn to prepare for the big day.

Now the committee is calling on the community to help with the festive cheer, and is offering rewards for donations.

Councillor Mark Snowdon, chairman of the committee, said: “The Christmas Lights in Penryn always look great. We are very proud of them and we want to keep that tradition going but we need to raise enough money to be able to do that.

"We have received several donations from local businesses already to get the ball rolling. I am really excited about the rewards we are offering and hope residents will also be able to contribute to Light Up Penryn.”

Rewards for donations include a festive thank you email from the mayor, an ‘I helped Light Up Penryn’ limited edition Christmas badge, a magical mince pie, a personalised bauble from Fannie & Fox, the chance to go on stage for the main switch on, your own Christmas tree in an oak barrel displayed on the high street throughout December and a chance to parade in the mayor’s car at the next Penryn Carnival.

The Crowdfunder page will run for eight weeks, launching on Friday 25 September. The Switch On will take place on Saturday 5 December at 6.30pm.

Already planned for this year's switch on are a Christmas market, street performers, musicians and lanterns, which it is hoped will bring people together and entice visitors into the town.

Pledges can be made from 12pm on Friday, September 25, at: http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/light-up-penryn-for-christmas/