A HOUSE in a Worcestershire village has been illuminated in the hope that it will light up children's lives.

Alan Swainson and his wife Ann have decked out their house in Old Road South with lights, snowmen, tinsel, Father Christmas and even a grotto in the back garden to help raise money for Acorn's Children Hospice.

Mr Swainson said that they have been decorating the outside of their house in Kempsey ever since they moved in 12 years ago, but this was the first time that they had allowed visitors to walk around the property.

He said: "Everyone who has been has been very impressed by it.

"We had a visitor who was down from Manchester come so that was nice. It's been fun but if we can help Acorn's just a little bit it will be great."

He said hand-made Christmas cards were also on sale. People across Worcestershire and Herefordshire have a chance to win top prizes by entering a festive lights competition. The Worcester News has teamed up with Webbs of Wychbold to give residents the chance to win Christmas lights worth about £100, plus lights worth an extra £200 to runners-up simply by adoring their homes in festive lights.

Is your house lit up for Christmas? Call Our picture desk on 01905 742268.