A RESTAURANT owner has saved Christmas for residents in Melrose after offering to power part of the town's festive lights display from their own private electricity supply.

Community councillors this week heard Marmions Brasserie stepped in after Buccleuch Street faced a festive black out.

Melrose and District Community Council heard changes to the power supply meant they could no longer access five of the 17 electricity connections previously used to power the display.

But they were told the old lights were being replaced with new brighter lights and should make for an even better display in future.

The Christmas lights will be erected on Sunday, November 25, from 9.30am and free bacon butties are being offered by Burts Hotel to anyone who volunteers to help.

And, it has been confirmed, St Boswells Concert Band will attend a carol singing service around the Christmas tree in the Square on Saturday, December 15, from 6.30pm. Everyone is invited to attend.