Families across Nottinghamshire have been sharing the touching stories behind some of the most spectacular Christmas displays across the county. For almost 20 years, the Swift family, who live in Laurel Crescent in Nuthall, have been decorating their house and their garden, raising thousands of pounds for separate charities.
They have been raising money for the When You Wish Upon A Star charity, which grants wishes to ill children, and Hayward House, Nottingham City Hospital's palliative care unit. The latter is close to their hearts with Tony Swift having previously explained his late father-in-law, John Sheeran, spent time there. Mr Sheeran was diagnosed with terminal cancer and died at the age of 63 in 2003.
Each year thousands of people visit the winter wonderland, which was opened in November and will be open until January 1. Speaking ahead of the opening date, Mr Swift said: "Santa nights could get up to 1,500 people. We say the more the merrier, if there is a Santa night, which is a Friday and Saturday night, then there will be queues but we'll have the shop open with donations for cakes, drinks, hot chocolate."
Read more: Nottingham nurses share why they are striking as historic NHS walkout takes place
The spectacular display includes a number of Christmas trees, a Santa's grotto - and about 120,000 lights. The family have made savings on their energy bills in the run-up to running all the festive lights. They have once again opened the garden so people can walk around.
Much like the Swift family, David Carter has been decorating his home for an important cause. With a large inflatable Santa and snowmen, his home in Sandale Close in Gamston is wonderfully decked out with festive lights.
Mr Carter, who donates money he raises to the RSPCA Radcliffe Animal Centre, said he was overwhelmed by the number of people who turned up for the lights switch on. "People's generosity again has been tremendous," he said.
"We're doing very, very well. People are donating for the RSPCA. It's something that I feel I have to do every year. It's becoming an annual event and hopefully I'll be doing it for many years to come." Last year Mr Carter raised £3,500 and he's hoping to raise more this time around.
His lights are turned on at 4.30pm each day and the display will last until January 1. An honourable mention too to residents of Cherhill Close in Clifton who have put up spectacular Christmas lights stretching across the street.
Why not sign up to one of our newsletters by clicking here to keep up with all the latest news from across Nottinghamshire.
Read next:
DWP cold weather payments, every postcode eligible to get the £25 boost
Family say spectacular Christmas lights event will go ahead despite rising electric bills
MET Office gives date for when Nottingham weather expected to warm up
I tried battered Christmas treats at Nottingham chippy and found it refreshingly festive
