Newbury Christmas light display raising vital cash for charity Children with Cancer UK

A Greenham granddad has been helping raise a festive smile – and some cash for charity.

Steve Morgan has spread his Christmas cheer across neighbouring homes to create a winter wonderland of lights and inflatables.

And he is raising money for the charity Children with Cancer UK at the same time.

“Normally I do something for charity at Christmas and for the last five years I’ve raised money for the Cats Protection and Dog’s Trust by making wooden reindeer," he explained.

“Last year we raised £1,900 and I went out and bought food with all the money and dropped it off at the local rescue centres.

“The cars were full to the brim of cat and dog food.

“But this year I thought I would have a change. I know all these charities have been struggling so I decided to put a display out.

“I don’t know how well it will go as I’ve never done it before.

“I have taken up three gardens – but I did ask the neighbours and they were up for it, which was good.

“I chose a charity I have always wanted to do something for.”

Mr Morgan was joined by his family earlier this month for the big switch on.

“We had a big countdown to the switch on,” he added. “My grandchildren were at there and they were blown away by it.

“As we hit the switch I heard everyone say ‘wow’.

“We’ve had people knocking on the door to give me donations. I hope to raise about £150 and we’re halfway there already.”

He has had to strap down some of the inflatables in the display after the storms we experienced earlier in December, but that hasn’t stopped people flocking to see them.

Mr Morgan said he already has plans to make it a bigger and better display next Christmas, when he will be raising money for the Thames Valley Air Ambulance.

You can visit his display at Hamilton Court, in Greenham.