I would like to thank Malcolm Dawes for his praise of the North Laine Christmas lights (Letters, December 14).

I would also be very happy to take all the credit for being secretary to a "dynamic group of shopkeepers" in North Laine. Unfortunately, I can't.

Tony Mernagh, the city centre manager, organises and collects the North Laine traders' pledges for Christmas lights.

He then totals up the pledges, Brighton and Hove City Council matches the funds and the traders' association makes up any shortfall.

Tony is funded by the City Centre Business Forum - he is not a council employee - and without his input (finding lighting companies and competitive quotes, arranging installation and power and so on) we would not have the brilliant lights Mr Dawes so praises.

I agree with Mr Dawes it is a shame the central area has no lights. I know Tony has offered his help to co-ordinate so who knows what next year will bring?

-Peter Stocker, Secretary, North Laine Traders' Association, Brighton