HOLMFIRTH shops have been given an early boost to 2004 Christmas trading.

Gas pipeline operator Transco has presented a cheque for £2,500 towards this year's Christmas lights.

The gift marked the end of major work by Transco to replace and repair mains in Holmfirth.

The cheque was presented by Dean Shepherdson, Transco's network operations manager, to Holme Valley businessman Royston Rogers, the chairman of West Yorkshire Chambers of Trade.

Mr Rogers said the money would pay for a major Christmas lights feature to span Victoria Street.

Transco made the donation as a thank-you to traders and local people for their co-operation during the scheme to lay new mains.

The work brought disruption to Huddersfield Road, Victoria Street, Cooper Lane, Hollowgate and other busy roads.

But the programme was completed three months ahead of schedule - despite breaks over Christmas and Easter.

A Transco spokeswoman said: "We had a lot of work to do in Holmfirth, but we worked with local groups to keep people informed of progress.

We had a lot of help from them and we wanted to say thanks."