NORTON councillors have agreed to spend up to £2,000 on new Christmas lights for the town.

The council contributes £2,500 a year to the festive display in Norton and Malton. However, members felt the display in Norton needed an overhaul with the council buying its own lights.

Mayor Councillor Ray King said second-hand lights were available from about £60 to £80 per unit.

“I don’t want to get into an us and them situation with Malton, but this would ensure we had our own lights which we could choose,” he said. “I would also like to see the lights reinstated across County Bridge between the two towns.”