Worthing's town centre manager today spoke of her frustration at traders' indifferent response to a Christmas lights appeal.

The Argus has for the second year running donated £1,000 to the appeal, which pays for illuminations in the town centre.

So far only 60 businesses out of 700 contacted have contributed to the £21,000 cost of installing the lights in Montague Street, Warwick Street, South Street and Chapel Road.

About £5,000 has been raised and South Street jewellers G H Pressley and Sons contributed a Christmas tree for South Place, outside the Guildbourne Centre.

David Sessions, former general manager of Bentalls, who retired shortly after Beales took over the store, has been helping with the fund-raising.

Anne Angel, town centre manager, today told shopkeepers: "What we can do depends on you."

Worthing Borough Council has refused to help pay for the lighting and Mrs Angel said: "It is frustrating that when we ask for a small contribution from businesses to fund Christmas lighting that we get the stock reply from many town centre businesses - 'we do not support Xmas lighting, but wish you luck in your campaign'."

She urged traders with head offices in other parts of the country to ask for funding.

Worthing is staging a Victorian Christmas Festival on Saturday and Sunday November 16 and 17, including a funfair in Montague Place and an ice-rink in South Place.

Other attractions include a pantomime roadshow in South Street Square on Saturday November 16, featuring stars from forthcoming pantomimes, with the mayor switching on the Christmas lights at 5pm, followed by a laser show with music.

Late-night shopping will be held in the town on November 28 and December 5, 12, and 19, when most shops will open until 8pm or 9pm.

On November 28, there will be free children's amusements and a Splash FM roadshow.

Christmas craft markets are being held in Montague Street on November 30 and December 13, 14 and 15.