A POPULAR annual Christmas lights display in Worcester is in its final year due to the cost of living crisis.
Mick and Norma Gale, of 66 Christine Avenue in Rushwick, have opened up the back garden of their home every Christmas with a big display to raise money for Midlands Air Ambulance for the last 20 years.
This year's display is due to open on Saturday, December 17 at 6pm, but will sadly be the last year due to the rising cost of living.
Mr Gale said: "We have been doing this for the last 20 years and have loved every minute, but with the state of how things are at the moment with bills it will be the last year.
"I am also set to turn 74 next year and climbing all those ladders isn't as easy as it used to be.
"We are still very much looking forward to seeing people this year, we have always had such a good response from the public."
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Rising energy bills across the country have been a worry for many households, and the cost of Christmas lights in places such as Oxford Street in London has meant a reduction in time spent lit.
Mr Gale said: "Next year we will still have some lights up but they will just be in the front garden."
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This year's display will feature an eight-foot-tall inflatable Santa, a ten-foot-tall inflatable reindeer and hundreds of lights.
The front of the house is also always decorated with colourful lights, inflatables other decorative pieces.
The couple began putting up the lights for the display this morning, but the rain forced them to postpone their plans.
Last year, guests at the switch-on were able to enjoy mulled wine and mince pies and the event raised a total of £1450.
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Of the money raised, £1011.00 came from donations made whilst visiting the garden and 439.00 came through donations through a JustGiving page.
For more information on the display, you can visit the Santa's Garden Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SantasGardenRushwick or visit the website at https://santasgarden.co.uk/.
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