A ROMAN candle could help save York's Christmas lights.

A gladiator from the days of Imperial Eboracum is preparing to do battle to help raise money for the modern city's festive displays.

Maximus Gluteus, otherwise known as Keith Mulhearn, manager of the Eboracum Legion Bathhouse, the museum under the Roman Bath pub in St Sampson's Square, is organising a fundraising day next Saturday, for York Business Pride's Christmas Lights appeal.

The Evening Press this week launched the Make York Sparkle campaign, to drum up support for the appeal across the city.

Mr Mulhearn said it was not just up to York's traders to find the money.

He said: "I am a bit surprised that people are not doing anything for the Christmas lights appeal.

"Everyone who has a business in the city centre will benefit from good Christmas lights. It will be so embarrassing if we mess this up. Even some small market towns have better displays than York."

Mr Mulhearn has obtained permission to hold a day of activities, from 10am to 4pm in St Sampson's Square, which he hopes will include simulated battle drills for children.

City centre manager Paul Barrett, who granted permission for the day, said a number of events had been rescheduled to enable it to go ahead.

Mr Barrett said: "Obviously, we share the same concerns that York could be slightly less lit up this year, and we have to think outside the box for ideas on how to raise some money for the lights.

"There needs to be a partnership between the council and businesses to sort this out and the fundraising day will be a focal point to kickstart the campaign."

The Eboracum Bathhouse will open free of charge, with a bucket for people to make donations to the lights appeal.

"We may not raise a fortune, but at least we'll be raising the profile of the campaign to light up York at Christmas," said Mr Mulhearn.

Updated: 10:02 Saturday, September 18, 2004