THE clock is ticking to the switch on of York's Christmas lights - and organisers still need £6,000.

York's Christmas lights will go on this Friday, but the appeal to Make York Sparkle is still short of its £57,000 target.

Because of financial constraints, a big Christmas lights switch on is not planned this year, and organisers now say with only days to go, it is the turn of chain stores to stump up.

"So far we have seen many of the city's traders' associations come forward with offers of cash, but the chain stores on Coney Street have yet to put into the pot," said City of York Council's Elenid Davies.

"I appreciate that these stores have an outlet in most major cities and they will get these requests from other cities too.

"But we are not asking for the earth, and a small contribution from them all would mean us reaching our total."

Make York Sparkle is asking businesses to dig deep to help make sure city centre streets shine this Christmas.

Members of the city's Christmas Lights Committee have worked hard to raise money but, despite their efforts, more cash is needed.

To date, City of York Council has contributed £12,000 to the fund with Nestl making a generous donation of £30,000.

But that still leaves traders to raise £15,000 to reach the £57,000 target. Much of the money is needed to meet the cost of putting up the lights.

Goodramgate Traders' Association has already added £1,000 to the £5,000 donated by CPP and £1,000 from Colliergate traders in support of the fundraising drive.

York-based bus company First has also contributed £2,000.

Last year £30,000 was needed to cover the installation and maintenance costs of the festive illuminations, and the amount was raised within weeks of the Evening Press launching its appeal.

In the countdown to Christmas, a host of events are planned, including a new Children's Fair from Friday and over this weekend, in and around Parliament Street.

It will include a toy market, carol singing and other family entertainment.

All stallholders will be donating a gift for Father Christmas to deliver to children at York Hospital on Christmas Day.

Anyone wanting to make a donation can phone Elenid Davies at City of York

Council, on 01904 554532, or send cheques made payable to City of York Council, c/o

Elenid Davies, 20 George Hudson Street, York YO1 6WR.

Updated: 09:59 Tuesday, November 15, 2005