A HOUSE well known for its extravagant Christmas lights display is going bigger and better this year.

Lyn Farnes, who lives in Amberley Drive, Hangleton, said the family started decorating their house in a flamboyant way just for fun.

But things snowballed and have become part of a bigger community event.

Lyn said: “My husband just loves Christmas.

“He started decorating the house with loads of lights and then soon we had people coming along and they suggested we should make it an annual event.

“We have waterfalls, wishing wells, giant Santas and reindeer.

“And what’s great is we raise money for charity.”

The family put out collection boxes for people to donate money to animal charities.

They also have a well in their garden where children can throw in a coin and make a Christmas wish.

All the proceeds this year are going to Beaks And Squeaks, an animal charity in Hove, Roger’s Wildlife Rescue in Brighton, the cat rescue centre called Kitty In The City in Brighton and the PDSA.

The display includes thousands of bulbs on the outside of the house and Lyn’s husband, Michael, has created a sleigh in the garden for children to sit in and a full-size nativity set.

Lyn said: “Michael has really gone all out this year. He has made three big reindeer out of fibreglass and he has even built a huge stable for them to stand in.

“We both work at Sainsbury’s and Michael just has this incredible hobby on the side of his job.

“He’s so good at it.

“He’s a very clever man.”

Lyn said the light decorating took Michael and their son, Wayne, 32, about three and a half days.

Their official Christmas light switch-on is today and they welcome families and residents to go along and admire their display.

Lyn said this year was particularly special because they have two new grandchildren in the family.

She said: “This year our family welcomed little Poppy and Erica which has made this year feel a bit more special.

“For us it is a moment where we are showing a new generation of our family what we do every year.”