THE Christmas lights and decorations outside David and Ann Nicholson's York home are so colourful that local children now call it Santa's grotto.

David said he had been building up his Christmas display at their house in Broom Way, Huntington, for the last few years, and he hadn't finished yet. "I'm planning to decorate the trees in the garden next year."

Meanwhile, a York mum is proving she is light years ahead - by using her festive lights to raise cash for the charity which takes care of her son.

Janet Goodrick transformed her home at Tranby Avenue, Osbaldwick, into a sea of festive lights to find funds for the Wilf Ward Family Trust.

The trust, which was established to help adults with learning disabilities, helps her son, Steven, 26.

"The Wilf Ward Family Trust allows Steven to lead a full and independent life," said Mrs Goodrick.

"I am raising this money to help the people who look after my son. I have a bucket outside my house for any donations and I have raised more than £50 at the moment.

"People keep stopping to have a look. Someone was even taking a picture of the lights the other day.

"I know I will be paying for more electricity but I don't care what it costs. It is all for a worthy cause."

Updated: 11:26 Thursday, December 27, 2001