One of the main roads into and out of Ramsgate is a blaze of light in the evenings now that the Freer family have turned on their Christmas decorations.

Adorning the garden and the front of their home in Park Road is an illuminated reindeer and sleigh, yards of lights, a snow-blowing machine and even a small grotto for young children to explore.

Passersby can take a lucky dip for 50p or donate cash in collecting cans for Pilgrims Hospices.

Gary and Kirsty Freer, their nine children and grandchild switched on the lights last Monday evening.

Mr Freer said: “My father Roger passed at the hospice in Thanet earlier this year and we wanted to do something special for Pilgrims Hospices as a way of saying thank you for the wonderful care provided.

“Although we have had lights on the house for the past few years, it’s the first time we have raised money for the hospice. We want to raise as much as possible over the next few weeks so the lights will stay up until the new year.”

Pilgrims regional fund-raising manager Karen Kenward said: “The display looks fantastic – Gary, Kirsty and the whole family have worked really hard to make it look so special in support of us. I’d like to warmly thank them for choosing to raise money for Pilgrims Hospices this year.”