A Derbyshire dad has transformed his house into a “Christmas wonderland” to raise money for a local school trust.
Trevor Wright has transformed his front garden and house in Barrett Street, off Harvey Road in Alvaston.
Mr Wright has decorated his house with 35 different decorations made up of thousands of LED lights, including an illuminated UFO.
While Mr Wright has previously become known for decorating his house, this is the first time he is raising money for charity.
He is raising money for the Parent Teachers and Friends Association (PTFA) at St John Fisher Catholic Voluntary Academy in Alvaston, which Mr Wright is an active member of.
Mr Wright said said: “This is the first time we’ve started to collect donations.
“As I’m part of the PTFA I spoke to them and Mr Lobb, who is the Headteacher at St John Fisher, and asked if they would allow us to collect for the school. The PTFA supports lots of projects at the school.
“We’ve got plans for a sandpit on the field and Mr Lobb would like a large shed for storage. We also part fund things like the hoodies for Year Six leavers and we help out with discos, the leavers’ event and a tuck shop.”
Mr Wright outside his festively decorated house
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ST RALPH SHERWIN
He continued: “I started putting up the Christmas lights about 10 to 12 years ago and since then the display has got bigger every year. I have three children, aged eight, seven and one and they love the lights.
“My neighbours love them too, everyone gets involved. We get people asking us in October when the lights are going to go up and the reaction is always amazing.
“I was buying lights for this year’s display before Christmas last year. I’ve not even started on the decorations inside yet, I decorate every room, even the bathroom.
“I don’t think I have a favourite decoration but this year we do have an inflatable UFO. I don’t know if I love Christmas but I love the reaction that we get to the lights.”
The school praised Mr Wright’s work on the lights
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ST RALPH SHERWIN
Headteacher at St John Fisher Graham Lobb said: “We are really lucky to have an active and supportive PTFA.
“The lights that Mr Wright and his family share on their house are a great way to get into the Christmas spirit early.
“The fact they are using this to support the school is fabulous and we are very grateful.”
Mr Wright is planning a community event outside his house on December 6 from 4.30pm until 6.30pm.