FLUSHED with the success of the York Business Pride Christmas Lights Appeal, a group of York businesses is holding a raffle to raise further funds for festive illuminations for this year and for future years.

Since Maximus Gluteus, alias Keith Mulhearn, launched the raffle at his Eboracum Legion Bathhouse museum in St Sampson's Square, York, last week, two more businesses have contributed prizes.

Hidden Secrets, a group encompassing four York tourist attractions, including the Bathhouse, Barley Hall, the Richard III museum at Monk Bar and the Micklegate Bar Museum, have donated ten £9.50 family tickets.

"Anything we can do to help make York jolly for Christmas is worth it," said Gill Page, Barley Hall museum manager.

Buying a £1 raffle ticket could also scoop two nights' bed and breakfast accommodation for two people at a York guesthouse.

"It's not just the central businesses who benefit from the Christmas lights. Outlying guesthouses like mine see increased visitor numbers over that period too," said Olga Shepherdson, who runs Olga's Guesthouse in Wenlock Terrace, Fulford.

Family tickets to the York Dungeon and tickets to the Jorvik Viking Centre are also up for grabs.

Today was the last chance to buy tickets which were on sale at the Bathhouse.

Liz Page, managing director of York & County Press, will make the draw tomorrow at noon.

Updated: 11:13 Tuesday, October 12, 2004