DROITWICH'S Christmas tree could be left in the dark this year because its festive lights have gone missing.

The brand new set of lights adorned the tree in Victoria Square last Christmas but mysteriously vanished soon after.

Now, members of the Droitwich Association for Retail, Tourism and Services are calling on the public to help them solve the mystery of their whereabouts, so the town can once again embrace the Yuletide spirit.

Terry Spencer, town councillor and long-serving member of DARTS said the lights had been put up by the association last Christmas, to help Droitwich sparkle.

"After Christmas they were not taken down and continued to illuminate the tree for some time because people were saying how nice they looked," he said.

"But before long, the manager of the Salters Shopping Centre noticed they had disappeared.We don't know if it was thieves or an innocent maintenance man who thought he'd take them down and put them in storage.

"We have a number of suspects but we are hoping the people of Droitwich will be able to help solve this mystery. At the moment, nobody seems to be able to shed any light on it. We seem to have a phantom light thief."

Mr Spencer said that more lights had been bought for the town this year, but those missing were specifically for the tree, which may have to remain bare, if the lights cannot be found.

This year's big switch-on is due to be performed by former Coronation Street star Susie Blake, who played barmaid Bev Unwin, on Friday, December 3, at 5pm.

"This year, we are hoping to extend the lights further into Ombersley Street," Coun Spencer said.

Anyone who can recall seeing these lights being taken down can contact Coun Spencer on 01905 794447 or DARTS chairman Richard Brighton on 01905 775395.