GROUPS in Trafford’s towns and shopping areas are busy drumming up support to provide a truly sparkling atmosphere in their centres this Christmas.

Since the launch of the Give It For Trafford (GIFT) campaign earlier this month, the community fundraising effort to ensure Trafford’s town centres provide shoppers with a special festive experience has been well underway.

Residents and businesses have been making donations through the individual fundraising campaigns, knowing that their money will be helping to provide festive lights and decorations in their centre. There is no minimum donation.

Notable successes so far include Timperley’s lights sponsorship campaign which has raised funds from sponsors including Citybranch and Costa Coffee.

Executive member for economic growth, environment and infrastructure, Cllr John Reilly, said: “Creating a special experience throughout the festive trading period is vitally important for our local town centre businesses.

"Each of our town centres has its own unique offering, and, with only a few more weeks to go until the end of the campaign, the groups are asking local businesses and people to help them to raise sufficient funds to light up their shopping areas with some great Christmas lighting displays this year."

For more information visit www.traffordpartnership.org/GIFT.