A seaside town's Christmas lights fund has been given a massive boost this year after getting thousands of pounds worth of sponsorship.

Volunteers for Cromer Christmas Lights have secured a deal with McCarthy and Stone, who have donated £3,000 to the cause.

The company are currently building Justice Court living development on Holt Road - the north Norfolk town's former court and police station.

A spokesman from the volunteers said: '[This] has been a very expensive year for the volunteers; Our expenditure this year will come to around £10,000. A lot of this has been spent on replacing old lights with new, energy efficient LED strings.

'This is a positive step forward in our replacement schedule but has taken a large proportion of our reserves.

'With the new deal, together with the fantastic support that we get every year from local residents, visitors and the town's businesses, we will be on track for continuing our work next year and into the future.'

Cheryl Bissett, regional sales and marketing director for McCarthy and Stone, said: 'As a company, our aspiration is not only to build quality homes but also to create positive relationships in the communities in which we build.

'We're delighted to have been able to contribute towards such a worthy cause and cannot wait to see the lights in all their glory.'

The lights switch on takes place on Saturday December 5.

• The team of volunteers have been providing Cromer with Christmas lights for the last 38 years. They are looking for new recruits with skills relating to electrical installations or ladder climbing and want to hear from you. Please email secretary@cromerchristmaslights.org.uk.