A FAMILY from Worcestershire is getting in the festive spirit by supporting a children’s charity.

Jade and Christopher Wheatley, of Albert Street, Droitwich, are using their extensive collection of Christmas lights and decorations to raise money for Acorns Children’s Hospice.

The couple were inspired to raise money for the hospice in Bath Road after Mrs Wheatley’s nephew had a leukaemia scare last year, but luckily tests came back negative.

The display has been put up in the couple’s front garden with the help of their children and young people from the community.

There will be a collection bucket in the front garden for people to give donations.

Mr Wheatley, aged 50, who is disabled, is waiting for a spine operation and has been inundated with help from local people who love his yearly displays.

For the past three years Mr and Mrs Wheatley have raised money for Chawston High School, where their eight-year-old son Brandon is a pupil. The cash has helped pay for a new music room. They have previously raised about £250 a year and hope to do even better this year.

Mrs Wheatley said: “Acorns is such a good cause.

“It’s at Christmas you should remember there’s always someone worse off than yourself, especially children.”

The display, which includes fairy lights and an animated scene, costs the family about £2,000 to £2,500.

“We don’t get Christmas presents from family any more,” said Mrs Wheatley.

“They kindly buy us Christmas lights.

“My mum always jokes that you can see our house from the side of the M40, where she lives.”

However, the family has never had a complaint from neighbours as the lights are switched off by 10.30 every night.

The lights will be on from 6pm to 10.30pm until Wed-nesday, January 6.

See Wednesday’s Worcester News for details of this year’s Christmas lights competition where the house with the best display can win a £100 prize.