Hollywood superstar Orlando Bloom is among celebrities being invited to feature in a spectacular city light show.

Students at Kent University in Canterbury plan to beam World War II search lights into the city sky, flashing Morse Code messages.

Each message will "say something about the city" - and celebrities are being invited to contribute words.

Among those approached are Lord of the Rings star Bloom, who grew up in the city.

Organiser Liz Flynn appeared before councillors to ask for £4,750 towards the show, scheduled for March.

"The town could respond to the messages by turning their lights on and off manually," said Miss Flynn.

"We want anyone to have the opportunity to join in - by simply switching on and off a light, children flashing their bedside lamps, people with torches pointing out of their windows."

She said high profile figures approached included Dr Brian Cox, the scientist; Grayson Perry, the artist and Sir Anthony Gormley, the sculptor.

Bloom had been approached to, but "had not yet been forthcoming", she admitted.

Councillors said they could not justify the expense on "ephemeral one-off events" and offered only £750.

Miss Flynn said the result left the event's future in doubt.

She said: "I will have to go back to the festival's budget as a whole, and see if we can find funding there."