York's premier shopping street could put on a sparkling Christmas lights display for the first time next winter.

Traders are hoping to pool resources to decorate Coney Street - so long a dark disappointment to shoppers in the festive season.

Their bid has been given added impetus by last week's announcement that City of York Council is prepared to match businesses' fund-raising efforts pound-for-pound, up to an agreed limit.

York's new Lord Mayor, Councillor Derek Smallwood, has pledged to help York put on its best display and hopes to win sponsorship to build on a kitty which was launched with a £1,000 donation from the Evening Press.

Boots manager John Bonner said his store and other major names, including BhS, WH Smiths, Woolworths, Virgin, River Island, Next and Sears, were all involved in trying to put on a display in Coney Street. The plans were already in hand before last week's announcement, but the news of council funding had given the project great impetus.

He said it was too early to say what the display might look like. "It's early days. We are currently getting quotes in. But people really want to make it a success."Kay Hobbs, manageress of BhS, said an informal association of Coney Street traders had been formed and was looking at two key issues: Christmas lights and consistency in trading hours.

"We have been impressed by what has been going on in other streets in terms of decorations. Goodramgate and Micklegate have done a good job and we feel that this year we must do something. We want something in keeping with the city."

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