A FAMILY whose festive lights have raised hundreds of pounds for charity have pulled out all the stops again this year.

Nicola and Paul Hogg, of Cockfield, in County Durham, have lit up their home with hundreds of bulbs to raise money for The Butterwick Hospice, which looked after Mr Hogg's father, Keith, and supported his mother, Ann.

It is the third year the couple have put on the festive display and last year they were named The Northern Echo’s Ho Ho Homes competition winners.

Mrs Hogg said the display had become a lovely way for the couple’s children, Lucy, 15, Freddie, six, Tommy, three and Archie, one, to remember their grandparents and the family hoped to surpass last year’s final of £700.

“We have made it bigger and it’s an extension of last year but Paul has been buying stuff throughout the year,” she said.

Mrs Hogg said the family have already had donations from kind villagers after officially turning the lights on last night (Thursday, December 8).

“It’s just such a great cause and they gave us so much support for Paul’s mum and then obviously with Paul losing his mum as well,” she added. “It’s doing it for both of them and at this time of year it becomes harder when you’ve lost people so it makes it special.

“Everyone in the village has commented and we’ve had really good feedback.”

The lights will be on display until New Year’s Day.

  • The public can donate at Mr and Mrs Hogg’s house.