Richmonds popular Victorian Evening has been saved from the axe but will be drastically scaled down.

The pre-Christmas extravaganza was under threat after Richmond Council asked the organising committee to pay £5,500 to cover the events costs. Council leader Serge Lourie said the authoritys financial position had left it with no option.

The evenings organisers pleaded with the council to reconsider its stance but when discussions failed they decided to look at ways of keeping the tradition alive.

On Friday, December 7, Victorian Evening will return. The event will be based around Richmond Green and will include live music by the band of the Parachute Regiment and the traditional firework finale.

There will also be a visit from Father Christmas and a special surprise on the night, which is from 6pm to 9pm.

Organiser Liz Carran said: It is not possible to pedestrianise George Street or have the carriage parade.

The town has got half the event it used to have. All the same I want people to come and enjoy the evening.