A FUN-LOVING family is putting the sparkle back into Christmas with a grand display of lights to raise cash for charity.

John and Louise Farrell of Manning Road, Droitwich have decorated the outside of their house for the past six Christmases.

But this year they decided to ask sightseeing visitors for donations to help Acorns Children's Hospice.

John, a grandfather of six, said: "It all started with just one set of lights and the collection gradually grew from there. We now have different sleighs, a little train, animated Snow White figures, hand-made reindeer and a Father Christmas in a balloon."

The grand switch-on of the festive display took place on Monday, December 1 and the Farrells were delighted by the response. Around 50 people turned out and they have been swamped with visitors ever since.

Hospice

Acorn's Children's Hospice was selected by the Farrells who were keen to give something back to the children. The money raised will contribute towards the charity's £4 million appeal to build a state-of-the-art hospice on the southern outskirts of Worcester.

The ten-bed hospice will have an acre of landscaped gardens all designed to be as interactive and accessible as possible for the children who visit - many of whom will use wheelchairs or have sensory impairments.

John added: "We chose the Acorns Hospice because we wanted to pick a charity for children and this one helps those with a limited life-span.

"So far we have collected £30 but we are hoping to collect a lot more over the Christmas period."

The lights are switched on at 4.30pm each night and will be on display until Tuesday, January 6.