EARLIER this week we took a look back at how Helensburgh's 2009 Christmas lights display was under threat because of a funding crisis.

Now we look back at the response that story got 10 years ago – and in particular to the generosity of a Helensburgh brother and sister who stepped in to save the show.

Here's how we covered the news in the Advertiser on October 8, 2009...

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A HELENSBURGH brother and sister have given Argyll and Bute Council a £2,800 Christmas present... and saved Christmas in Helensburgh.

Kevin and Caroline Mundie have donated the money to the council in an attempt to save Helensburgh’s Christmas lights.

READ MORE: From the Archives: Helensburgh faced Christmas lights blackout 10 years ago

Their generous donation came after reading in last week’s Advertiser that the festive light show expected in the town may not go ahead because of a shortage of cash.

Councillor Ellen Morton presented the cheque on their behalf and read out a letter from them saying that they had both enjoyed the festive lights switch on event for the past couple of years and wanted to help.

The sum of £2,800 was mentioned in the story as the shortfall in the costs of running the lights switch-on, but the area committee heard that the money was given to the council to use as the council they saw fit for the lights.

The committee welcomed the donation which will make it possible for them to have lights and tree in Colquhoun Square and lights on trees in the outlying villages.

READ MORE: From the Archives: Helensburgh tartan trio were on the run in 2009

And a five member study group has been set up by the committee to look into the future of the festive lights display in the town and to consider ways to move forward from this year’s disappointment.

The council has £14,165 in the pot for the festive displays around Helensburgh and Lomond.

The lights in Colquhoun Square and trees in the villages option will cost £17,350.

But the generous donation from the Mundies means that the council will only be £385 short – and it is hoped that they may be able to cover that through negotiations with suppliers to cut the costs.