Meet the Lincolnshire man raising money for charity with his incredible Christmas lights

A proud Lincolnshire man is once again showing off his fantastic display of Christmas lights in his front garden, and is encouraging visitors to come and have a look for themselves.

Derek Turner, 81, switched on the Christmas lights at his home on Louth Road in Wragby on November 7, and will keep them on for almost two months until January 6.

He raised over £1,000 in 2016 for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice and is aiming to top that figure with his display this year, which incredibly boasts over 50 sets of different lights.

Within his festive magical mystery tour, Derek also encourages children to leave messages for Santa, who occasionally writes back, as long as they are not on the naughty list!

Photo: Matthew Lee for Lincolnshire Reporter

Photo: Matthew Lee for Lincolnshire Reporter

Photo: Matthew Lee for Lincolnshire Reporter

Photo: Matthew Lee for Lincolnshire Reporter

Photo: Matthew Lee for Lincolnshire Reporter

Photo: Matthew Lee for Lincolnshire Reporter

Photo: Matthew Lee for Lincolnshire Reporter

Photo: Matthew Lee for Lincolnshire Reporter

Photo: Matthew Lee for Lincolnshire Reporter

Photo: Matthew Lee for Lincolnshire Reporter

Speaking to Lincolnshire Reporter, Derek said: “We have way over 10,000 bulbs and over 50 sets of different Christmas lights and we have added one or two new lights to the display such as small trees and animals.

“We do it because we like doing it. The kids love it.

“I wish more people would come up the drive to look at the lights, as you can’t see unless you get in amongst them.

“It makes everyone happy. We’ll keep doing it for as long as we can.”

Derek first began putting the lights up outside 14 years ago when his cats kept pulling them down when they were indoors.

Over the last eight years, he has raised nearly £7,000 for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice.

Ella Beale, community fundraiser for the hospice, said: “Derek Turner and his wife, Jean, have been supporting St Barnabas Hospice for over eight years.

“We are incredibly grateful for all the hard work and effort that has gone into raising a total of £6,800 over the years.

“This has aided the care and support we offer to patients, families and carers across Lincolnshire significantly.

“It takes great dedication from Derek to ensure his Christmas light displays are a feature each year, and we certainly would like to thank Derek and his family for choosing to take this opportunity to support St Barnabas Hospice.”