Crystal Palace has reclaimed its Christmas sparkle after a local business stepped into the breach to stump up cash for festive lights.

With none of the five borough councils whose borders the area overlaps paying for yuletide decorations, locals were facing the prospect of a drab Christmas shopping season.

But after the Crystal Palace Chamber of Commerce (CPCC) appealed to local businesses to help light up the streets, estate agents Winkworth came forward with a four-figure sum to fund 39 sets of lights in the town centre.

Now the CPCC has formed a special Christmas lights committee to ensure the area will never face darkness over the festive period again.

The committee will collect donations from local firms to add to its collection of decorations each year, kitting Crystal Palace out with an ever-expanding light show.

Tim Sharville, chair of the CPCC, said: "We want it to be elegant, not tacky.

"Crystal Palace is known for its independent retailers and we want this to be somewhere pleasant that people enjoy coming over Christmas."

Calum Mason, director of Winkworth's Westow Hill branch, said: "Crystal Palace has an amazing community with some very passionate residents.

"I am also a resident of the area and feel very strongly about the whole community spirit.

"Personally I feel that such a busy and vibrant community needs some cheer over Christmas not only for the local residents but also for the local shops and businesses following what has been a tough financial year for many.

"I feel that this is a small gesture from one local business to have a chance to give something back to the area and bring some much needed festive cheer."

The lights were switched on last week. The CPCC also has plans for a skating rink in Crystal Palace over the Christmas period.