Lights contest.

And event co-sponsors -- the Bermuda Electric Light Company Limited and the BF&M Insurance Group -- are hoping for more entries than ever.

BF&M spokesman Glen Gibbons said: "We hope that this year's contest will attract even more entries than last year''.

The deadline for the contest is December 4 and it offers participants the chance to win one of 12 cash prizes which will be donated to the registered charities of their choice.

"It's an opportunity for those who decorate the outside of their homes or businesses to share their Christmas spirit with their favourite charity, as well as the community who enjoy their displays,'' said Mr. Gibbons.

Judging will take place on the evening of December 15 between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. Winners will be announced in The Royal Gazette on December 22.

"We are anxious to get the message out that the contest is not about purchasing and displaying the most lights,'' added Mr. Gibbons.

"Adherence to a stated theme, and the interpretation of the theme, is far more important. A small, well thought-out display could well be a winner.'' There will be a first, second and third residential winner in each of Bermuda's three geographical divisions -- East, West and Central. There is also a prize for the commercial category in each division and a total of $9,000 will be divided among the 12 winners' charities of choice.

Entry to the contest is free and entry forms can be obtained from BF&M's offices on Pitts Bay Road and at Island wide Belco locations.