Mega Christmas Lights Display Helps Raise Money For Charity

Thu, 08 Dec 2011

A man in Somerset has turned a quite street n the small town of Wells into a sparkling festive attraction.

Manning Close has once again become one of the brightest streets in the UK following the switch-on of a £20,000 Christmas lights display, created by local resident Paul Toole.

The 36-year-old 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 technology became more sophisticated, Mr Toole increased the amount of lights in his annual display and encouraged his neighbours to join in. The result was an eight-house showpiece featuring 50,000 LEDs.

"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."

"There are so many miserable people in this country who moan about Christmas lights saying they are vile and tacky, but if everyone put just a few lights up, if every house did that, it would brighten peoples lives up."

This year’s display was turned on by guest of honour, actor John Challis who played Boycie in the TV classic Only Fools and Horses, during a special event attended by over 1,000 people.

To help raise money for charity, visitors are asked to make a donation to The Make-A-Wish Foundation, which helps disabled children.

The Xmas lights raised £1,870 for the group in 2010 and Mr Toole is confident this year’s total will be even greater.