A FAMILY'S festive lights display is drawing visitors from from a wide area to raise money for charity.

The Akens' home in Bogglehole, near Delves Lane, Consett, has been decorated by Elsie Aken and her two sons, John and Brian.

Lights have been erected all around the house and front lawn in a bid to raise money for the Great North-East Air Ambulance.

John and Brian, who run the family business, Aken Roofing, spent a week-and-a-half attaching the lights to their home.

The Akens have been festively lighting their house for the past five years.

John, 36, said: "It started off as a treat for my sister's children, because they loved it, but the project just seems to have grown every year.

"Last year, people kept knocking on our door asking if we were doing it for charity, so this year we've decided to do something a bit different."

The display includes a homemade helicopter and a 16ft hot air balloon, complete with a giant Santa, as well as thousands of lights.

John expects the family's electricity bill to increase by at least £220, but he feels the air ambulance is a worthy cause, as it is completely self-supporting.

The family is encouraging visitors to put as much as they can into the donation box. Barclays Bank of Consett has offered to match the total donations, from £100 to a maximum of £700.

The house only has one set of neighbours, and John described them as very pleased with the festive project.

He added: "The lights have had a really great reception. Everyone who's passed by has been really pleasant about them. We would like to thank everyone who's donated so far, and also everyone at Barclays Bank, especially Sonia Nixon."

The light display will be up until New Year's Day.