A CASHPOT donation at the 11th hour has fully funded Dovercourt’s Christmas lights switch-on event.

The Harwich Haven Authority, based at Harwich Quay, stepped in to help the struggling Christmas light fund.

Organisers of the event next Friday, Create, set up a Go Fund Me page in a bid to raise the £3,500 needed.

But to date a total of £455 has been donated to the page.

Neil Glendinning, chief executive officer of the Harwich Haven Authority, said: “After reading in the Harwich and Manningtree Standard that the organisers of the Dovercourt High Street Christmas light display were struggling to raise sufficient funding we were delighted to step in and help.

“The Authority is an integral part of the local community and this year we’ve been able to support a number of initiatives and charities in and around the Harwich and Dovercourt area.

“The Christmas light display has traditionally been an event that draws people together from across the area and we didn’t want to see it fail.

“We have been very impressed by the passion and energy of organisers Kirsti Ayling, Les Nicoll and their team at Create.

“They work tirelessly throughout the year to organise and create activities that benefit so many members of the community.”

The Christmas light switch-on event in Dovercourt high street on Friday starts at 5pm with a host of entertainment and stalls.

Kirsti Ayling from Create said: “Myself, Les Nicoll and the rest of the Create team are absolutely overwhelmed by the huge generosity of Harwich Haven Authority.

“The lights cost so much money and it’s a struggle each year to raise the necessary funding.”

Les Nicoll added: “The Christmas light switch-on is a fantastic community event, which brings friends, neighbours and businesses together in celebration.

“Lots of groups and community clubs will be involved and Santa will also be making a special visit this year.

“It’s a truly fantastic event that we’re delighted to bring to the community of Dovercourt and Harwich.”