A CALL has gone out to the “younger and fitter” residents of Newtown St Boswells to save the village’s Christmas illuminations.

“The lights are in crisis and, unless we get help, there will be no display,” said Raymond du Bois, vice-chair of Newtown and Eildon Community Council.

His warning came after the two community council stalwarts who have organised the seasonal attraction since 2004 – Roger French and George Luke – announced at the last meeting that they were unable to continue.

“We’re not getting any younger and I feel it’s time for new people to come forward and take this on,” said Mr Luke. “There’s not a great deal of work involved, but it does require some commitment to organise and maintain the festive display.

“Although there are usually enough volunteers to put up the lights every year, that’s not the full story.

“There’s testing the lights, setting the timers and checking and replacing blown bulbs.

“Roger and I will be happy to teach someone new all the ins and outs, but neither of us is prepared to go on doing this job.”

Mr French added: “We’ve been doing this for more than 12 years now and I’m sorry, but I am no longer prepared to go up ladders and all the rest of it.

“There are plenty of younger and fitter people in Newtown and if families enjoy the Christmas lights then they are going to have to arrange to put them up.”

Potential volunteers willing to step into the breach are being urged to attend the next meeting of the council in Newtown’s community wing on Thursday, September 21 at 7pm.

“We are appealing for anyone who wants to see the Christmas lights continue in Newtown to come along,” said Mr du Bois.

“Otherwise, there won’t be any.”