Highgate's Christmas lights will go ahead this year after money was found at the last minute.

Organisers of the annual Christmas lights in Highgate Village were left "scrambling around" this year after Haringey and Camden councils withdrew funding for the event.

The councils normally contribute around £6,700 - a third of the total amount needed for the lights.

But after the Ham&High publicised the story, Haringey Council officers agreed to contribute £4,000 towards the costs, saying it would help local businesses.

The lights are organised by Highgate Festive Events Committee, estate agents Chris Underhill, from Prickett & Ellis, James Wilkinson, of Winkworths, and Charlotte Bourne, of Taylor Gibbs

Mr Underhill described the cash as "absolutely fantastic, a brilliant amount that makes a really handsome dent".

Camden Council said there was no funding available but would look at waiving the licence fees required to put up the lights.

Mr Underhill said the switch-on date has been booked for Saturday November 18.

He admitted he was "fretting" that the event would not happen this year after the overwhelming success of the switch-on last year.

Harry Potter's Rupert Grint, who plays Ron Weasley, made a surprise appearance, while comedian Alex Zane returned to compere the afternoon. 

Mr Underhill added that at the moment there was no celebrity booked, but the committee was talking to a number of people.

He added: "Whether we have a celebrity or not ,the lights will go on on that Saturday with or without a razzamataz, but the hope is we can find someone at the last minute."

Cllr Seema Chandwani, who is responsible for resident services and tackling inequality, said: “We are currently facing huge pressure on our budgets due to increased service demand amid the ongoing cost of living crisis. That means we have to make some tough decisions about funding."

"Nonetheless we have been able to secure funding for festive lighting this year to help residents get into the festive spirit and provide a much-needed boost for local businesses.”

Cllr Danny Beales, Camden's new homes, jobs and community investment lead, said cash usually comes from money paid by developers and is allocated by local councillors, but this year money had already been given to other projects in Highgate Village.

These include a bus stop reconfiguration in Pond Square to add benches and plants, as well as cost of living community support projects.