More than £2,000 has been raised in an appeal to help fund new storage for the Mousehole Christmas lights.

The lights committee has said for some years it has been struggling with a lack of space for all the displays, and needs to build a new unit.

A spokesperson said it will mean fewer repairs to the displays, which will mean more time and funds for new displays and to sustain the lights into the future.

“We’ve reached £2,000 in pledges and donations which puts us well on the way to our £10,000 target,” they said.

“We have been granted a lease on land, have planning consent and now just need the final funds.

“The lights mean so much to those who visit them whether they are locals, visitors from around the county, the country or across the waters.

“It really is a community project and wouldn’t happen without our team of volunteers who give their time and energy throughout all weathers.

“It’s a Cornish tradition that has been part of people’s hearts for nearly 60 years and that’s why it’s so important we get the help needed to make sure it can continue.”

The lights will be celebrating their 60th anniversary in 2023 and have expanded since they were first started by Mousehole-based artist, Joan Gillchrest who put up a string of coloured bulbs along both quays to make the village a bit brighter at Christmas. 

Currently, between festive seasons, the 60 or so displays are stored in old barns.

The committee says the team is extremely grateful for this facility, but the conditions of the barns mean the displays fall into disrepair and have to be repaired each year.  Last year, through fundraising activities and a grant, the team raised two thirds of the funds needed for a custom-built store.

But with the costs of building materials rising, they now need to raise the final £10,000-15,000 needed to make it happen.

• Anyone who would like to donate can visit https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/mouseholeharbourlights.