Creatures of darkness craving some festive light will creep into St Sampson's Square, York, on Saturday to take part in a Christmas lights fundraising day.

Two actors from York Dungeon - mad monk Brother Bartholomew and either a vampire or a grave robber - will put on some spine-chilling street theatre in the square between noon and 2pm.

They will auction off ten family tickets for York Dungeon, worth £25 each, which families can use on the day. All proceeds from the auction will go directly to the York Business Pride Christmas Lights Appeal.

Helen Douglas, attraction manager at York Dungeon, said: "If people don't dig deep and help, York won't have a good Christmas lights display this year."

Last week, the Evening Press launched its Make York Sparkle campaign in an effort to light up the city and avoid a bleak festive season.

Since the appeal for funding was first made last week, City of York Council has donated £5,000 to start the campaign and encourage York businesses to pledge their support.

The fundraising day, from 10am to 4pm, is the brainchild of Keith Mulhearn, manager of the Eboracum Legion Bathhouse, in St Sampson's Square.

"We are delighted to have somewhere like the York Dungeon on board and hopefully we'll get a good turnout on Saturday to support the Christmas lights cause," said Mr Mulhearn, whose alter ego is gladiator Maximus Gluteus.

Together with other Roman soldiers, Maximus Gluteus will lead simulated battle drills for children during the fundraising day and the Bathhouse will be open free of charge on the day, with a collection bucket at the door for visitors to donate to York's Christmas lights.

Gastronomic walking tour Exploring Food is also getting behind the appeal, with all proceeds from three 90-minute tours on Saturday going straight into the fund.

Updated: 10:59 Thursday, September 23, 2004