A desperate plea has been issued in a bid save Peterborough's popular Christmas lights switch-on amid a shortfall in funding. 

Peterborough City Council called on businesses to "save Christmas" as it attempt so secure sponsors for the event.

In the latest budget agreed by councillors, there was a commitment to secure sponsorship for the cost of the switch-on event, the Christmas tree and the installation of the lights, totalling £56,000.

It was one of a number of savings proposals agreed by Full Council to deliver a balanced budget.

The council, which is facing a predicted budget gap up up to £24million, said it has been tying to secure sponsorship and has so far attracted £34,000. 

It now requires sponsorship to plug the remaining £22,000. 

Councillor Mohammed Jamil, deputy leader of Peterborough City Council and Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Governance, said: "The pressure on local government is immense and there is simply not enough money to meet demand. 

"In adult social care, we received 2,580 new requests for support in the last 12 months. The number of children subject to a care plan has doubled since last year and the number of people coming to the council for housing support as they’re homeless rose 40% in the past three years. 

"The demand is rising and we simply cannot keep pace with the budget that we have available.

"If we makeup the shortfall in the budget for Christmas it will mean that our in-year budget deficit is even higher, and we cannot allow that to happen. We have said as an administration that we will make difficult decisions to meet our financial challenge. 

"If you are a business and would like to sponsor the event please let us know. By doing so you might be helping to save Christmas in Peterborough city centre."

Businesses that are interested in sponsoring Christmas in Peterborough can email communications@peterborough.gov.uk.