A WILLINGTON couple have again transformed their home into a Christmas wonderland to raise money for charity.

Every year Raymond and Margaret Lauder festoon their home, 112 Hall Lane Estate, with Christmas lights, spending an average of £800 a year to update their display which raises money annually for the Butterwick Hospice in Bishop Auckland.

They held an official switching-on ceremony on Friday night in front of a large crowd. Children were given sweets and cards at the switch-on ceremony and were given a guided tour.

It took a week to put together the massive display in an all-round family effort that involved sons Barry, Christopher, Shaun and friend Ian Goddard.

Local businesses have also entered into the spirit of things.

Tommy Woodward supplied scaffolding to help erect the lights and engineer Barry Fleming is creating a reindeer which will be placed on the side of the house when completed. Mr Lauder said: "Everybody has been brilliant. We have had a lot of support from the people of Willington, and from everywhere else really.

"The opening night was absolutely beautiful. There were more people there than there were last year.

"We have done the garden out this year and it really looks the part. There is also a Santa's Grotto where the children can visit Santa.''