Urgent help is needed to ensure Sheerness on the Isle of Sheppey gets lit up in time for Christmas.

The Sheerness Town Team has issued an urgent appeal after being told its regular contractor doesn’t have the time to install the seaside town’s lights this year.

Town Team chairman John Nurden said: “We heard on Monday that our usual contractor cannot guarantee to fit us in this year. We are deeply disappointed. They said they will try to find someone else but we have issued our own appeal for help as time is marching on.

“The town’s Christmas Lights switch-on is on Saturday December 5 along with a Christmas Market. It would be unthinkable if there were no lights to turn on. But we are running out of time.”

Mr Nurden added: “We have already had people offering to lend a hand but we still need a qualified electrician and someone with a cherry-picker.”

Most of the work will be at night. The Town Team had already drawn up a budget for the work.

If you can help, call 07831 486436 or email john.nurden@o2.co.uk