Xmas > Christmas News
 

Town Brightened Up By GBP20k Of Christmas Lights

Tue, 06 Dec 2011
A quiet street in the Somerset town of Wells has once again become one of the brightest in the UK following the switch-on of an enormous Christmas lights display.

The 50,000 LED lights which adorn eight houses in Manning Close were this year turned on by guest of honour, actor John Challis who played Boycie in the classic TV show Only Fools and Horses, during a special event attended by over 1,000 people.

Organiser Paul Toole, 36, was first inspired to put on elaborate festive light displays at the Manning Close home he shares with his parents after visiting the US and becoming fascinated with how people decorated their houses there.

As the years passed and the technology became more sophisticated, Mr Toole increased the amount of lights in the display and encouraged his neighbours to join in, until eight houses in the road each formed part of the £20,000 Xmas showpiece.

"It's an extreme hobby that's taken over my life," he said. "It's all been surreal; from the early days with a couple of strings of lights to this. I feel really, really special. It's just amazing."

The festive lights are helping to raise money for charity, with visitors asked to make a donation to Mr Toole's chosen charity, The Make-A-Wish Foundation, which helps disabled children.

The display raised £1,870 for the charity in 2010 and Mr Toole is confident that total will be surpassed this year.

"Christmas is about giving and it's a magical time when wishes come true," he added.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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