Visitors drawn to festive house lights

Homeowners continue decade-long tradition but say they will never again put out charity box after it was stolen

A COUPLE from Skinners Green have been welcoming visitors over the Christmas period wanting to admire their array of festive lights.

Sheila Bushnell and her partner, Alan Barnes (both pictured), put the display up in their garden every year for their grandchildren.

The display includes tree lights and glowing Santas, snowmen, angels, reindeer and many other decorations.

Ms Bushnell said that how long it took to erect the display depended on the weather and that it could take about three days.

The pair have been putting out the display for about 10 to 12 years now, but said that three years ago they also put out a charity box for the first time so that people viewing the lights could make a donation, but thieves stole the collection.

Ms Bushnell said: "The money was for other people and it got stolen.

"That's not very nice, especially at Christmas."

She said that after that ill-fated year the display would now just be for people to look at and added: "We love doing it.

"People go past in their cars and stop. We have had so many people look over the fence."

If you have put up an elaborate Christmas display, let us know by sending in pictures and your details to Tanya Haji at tanya.haji@newburynews.co.uk