Andrea Calvesbert meets the man behind a bid to bring the 'wow' factor to Worcester at Yuletide by raising £25,000 for High Street illuminations

Worcester could have its own version of the Blackpool Illuminations for Christmas if a major fund-raising bid pays off.

Instigated by Muff Murfin, the man behind radio station Classic Hits, but backed by organisations and people across Worcester, the scheme will ensure the city centre is sparkling in time for the festive season.

When Limited Edition spoke to Mr Murfin before his August 31 deadline, he was hoping everyone would have come together with weird and wonderful fund-raising ideas to pay for the £25,000 lights to brighten up the High Street.

Mr Murfin, who switched on the lights last year, but was disappointed that only part of the High Street had been graced with new lights, said: "All the newspapers and radio stations in the area, the traders and all the local people have come together to support this. Although it was my idea and I suppose I am the catalyst, without everyone else it wouldn't come together. It is a real community effort."

"I thought, what a great idea it would be if we could get together and finish off the High Street and really give it the wow factor," he added.

"If it is a really impressive display, more people will come to Worcester to see the lights and more people will benefit."

With fund-raising ideas such as 'buy a light bulb', collection boxes in major retailers and suggestions from local residents to pledge money in return for witnessing such embarrassing moments as a DJ in a bath of beans, Mr Murfin was hopeful the joint effort would raise the money. Any further money could then be used to gradually add new lights down Worcester's other city centre streets and alley ways.

Anyone who still wants to help or donate money can do so via the Mayor's Parlour or by telephoning any of their local radio stations or newspapers and asking to speak to the person in charge of the Christmas Lights appeal.