A high street has turned its Christmas lights back on in a bid to spread much-needed cheer during the UK’s third lockdown.

Strings of bulbs are again twinkling in Tankerton Road, near Whitstable, where hundreds voted to bring back the festive decorations and have donated to keep them shining through the shutdown period.

Tankerton’s Christmas lights are arranged each year by Talk of Tankerton - a group of business owners in the suburb.

Co-founder Julie Corke said: “Our Christmas lights were so well-received over Christmas.

“But going into a lockdown straight after Christmas and New Year, it just seemed having to turn the lights off was going to be too dull and too dark for everyone.

“Everyone needs a bit of light and sparkle through lockdown to make them smile.

“We switched them off, then among ourselves discussed turning them back on.”

The traders launched a poll to see what Tankerton residents thought of the plans.

Hundreds of people took part, with the overwhelming verdict that they should be switched back on.

“It would help to cheer us all up again - life is so bleak and dull at the moment,” said one voter, while another added: “In these dark days we need some brightness”.

On Saturday, the lights were turned back on, and are now twinkling merrily for all to enjoy.

While some commenters expressed concerns that the lights could encourage people to leave their homes when they should be adhering to lockdown rules, others pointed out that the display will benefit those who need to drive through the high street, or who exercise there.

Usually, Talk of Tankerton raises money throughout the year to cover the cost of buying extra Christmas lights, and powering the display.

But residents were eager to donate towards the costs of keeping them on during lockdown, prompting Julie to launch a fundraising page.

And in just five days, it has smashed its £300 target, raising nearly £900.

“It’s brilliant," said Julie, who runs Tankerton businesses Caffè Eighty Nine, Polkadot and Dolcé.

“So we can keep the lights on, and any money remaining will go towards the light display for next Christmas.”

To donate, visit the JustGiving page.

Read more: All the latest news from Whitstable