24 November 2006 00:00 Central Networks lights up Derbyshire communities for Christmas

The parishes of Clay Cross and Staveley will be celebrating a brighter Christmas this year thanks to local electricity distribution company Central Networks.

Parish council officials in Clay Cross received a £2,500 grant from the company, which is part of E.ON UK, after they ran a competition through four local schools to get local children to design their new Christmas lights display.

Staveley was also awarded £1,000 to help extend their Christmas lights display along the village’s main road.

Central Networks offered a total fund of £35,000 to parish councils across central England to light up communities, receiving almost 300 applications to the competition.

Central Networks Customer Operations Manager Phil Wilson said: “The spirit of Christmas is obviously very much alive within our region’s parishes and it’s great to be able to spread some cheer through our Christmas lights and decorations fund.

“We were really impressed with all the entries but Clay Cross’ really stood out – it was clear that the kids at the local schools had put a lot of time and effort into their designs.

“Staveley’s application wasn’t far behind but, sadly, not everyone can be awarded the full grant.”

Clay Cross Parish Council Clerk Dawn Kershaw said: “We’re absolutely delighted. Without Central Networks’ support we would not have been able to create four bespoke motifs that the children designed to include in our local display.”

Local MP for Clay Cross Natascha Engel said “This is very exciting news for Clay Cross. The new display will really brighten up the village and help the community celebrate Christmas. It’s great that Central Networks has been able to help and the grant will make a real difference. “

The company, which serves 4.9 million customers across central England, launched the competition for the first time last year. After the success of the first campaign, Central Networks offered an extra £10,000 this time around to benefit even more parishes.

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Photo Opportunity:

Clay Cross Parish Council officials will be joined by a representative from Central Networks at 4pm today outside the Social Centre on Market Street, Clay Cross (Friday 24 November) for the official presentation of the cheque for £2,500 and their Christmas lights switch on. The children who designed the festive lights will also be present with their parents.

Staveley Parish Council will be holding a switch on event, complete with brass band in the Market Square on Friday 1 December at 6.30pm. Santa will arrive on a pony and trap with presents for the local children.

Notes to editors:
•Central Networks is the new name for Midlands Electricity and East Midlands Electricity and is a company of E.ON UK. The company brings power to 4.9 million customers across the East and West Midlands through 133,000km of underground and overhead cables and via almost 97,000 substations;
•Central Networks covers an area from the Peak District in the north to parts of Bristol in the south, and from the Welsh Borders to the Lincolnshire Coast.

For further information contact:
Ellie King on 02476 183678
Rebecca Middleton 02476 183677
Out of hours, call 024 7642 4000 and ask for the duty press officer