The Argus has kick-started an appeal to make a town sparkle this Christmas.

Newsquest (Sussex), publisher of The Argus, has become the first firm in Worthing to donate cash towards this year's town centre Christmas lights appeal.

A cheque for £1,000 is now winging its way to Worthing Town Centre manager Anne Angel, the first major donation.

Mrs Angel needs £18,000 for this year's display, which she hopes will rival the illuminations installed by rival shopping towns Horsham and Brighton. She said Newsquest, which also publishes the monthly Sentinel, delivered to 50,000 homes in the town, was the first firm to give a substantial sum.

Mrs Angel hoped it would encourage other firms and shops in the town to contribute to an appeal which has got off to a slow start.

She said: "We are absolutely delighted with The Argus donation, which matches the £1,000 given by the paper last year.

"I hope it will encourage other firms to contribute so we can have a display to be proud of. A good show attracts shoppers into the town, which benefits businesses."

Worthing Town Centre Initiative does not get funding from the borough council for the festive lights and must rely on donations.

Its chairman, estate agent Chris Spratt, said: "We are delighted with The Argus, which has kick-started the appeal in such a generous and positive manner.

"We are looking to make Worthing into the beacon of the South Coast."

The initiative is also looking for donations towards the cost of an ice-skating rink which will be set up in South Place piazza in November for two days.

Sponsors should ring 01903 203252.