A GENTEEL seaside resort has launched a unique website to help raise funds for this year's Christmas Lights Appeal.

Mark Lord

A GENTEEL seaside resort has launched a unique website to help raise funds for this year's Christmas Lights Appeal.

Southwold's Christmas Lights Fundraising Committee has launched its own website so residents can get involved in raising money for the Christmas switch-on and the four weeks the lights are on.

This year it is estimated that £23,000 will be needed to put on the festive display and the committee is keen to get fundraising under way as early as possible and get as many residents involved as they can.

In 2006 the Christmas Lights Committee asked the resort's second-home owners to bolster the appeal - but only 13 of 300 gave money, donating just £300 to the £18,000 needed.

Among the events taking place this year are a fish and chips quiz night, an evening with choreographer Sidi Scott at Southwold Golf Club, a torchlight evening event at Southwold's Maize Maze, a family beach sports day, the ever popular antiques fair on the green, “a fishy affair” at The Sole Bay Fish Company, wine tasting held at Adams Cellar and Kitchen shop and of course the Southwold Town Ball.

Committee spokesman Adele Buckley said: “The website will feature quizzes and competitions.

“Already planned is one for adults with the winner's name to be drawn out of a bucket during the switch-on event with a magnum of champagne up for grabs.

“For younger visitors to the site there is a quiz with a mini iPod as the prize.

“The website also has gallery space showing photos from Southwold's Christmas past and present. We are encouraging viewers to send their own photos in for us to share with others.”

To view the website visit www.christmasinsouthwold.co.uk.

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