'TIS the season to be jolly - and these lights twinkling in a York street are adding to the festive cheer.

Sheila and Michael Taylor, from Chudleigh Street, have adorned their home with a riot of Christmas illuminations - and it's all in a good cause.

The festive-loving pair have made their lights an attraction for locals, and they are raising money for Martin House Hospice For Children And Young People, at Boston Spa, near Tadcaster, into the bargain.

Sheila, 60, said collecting tins for the hospice had been installed in local shops, with youngsters contributing to the fundraising by singing carols.

Children are invited inside to admire more festive lights inside the Taylors' home, where, according to rumours, Father Christmas himself is a resident.

Sheila said she had started using her colourful display to raise money last year, drumming up more than £350 for the hospice.

"I love Christmas, I love doing this," she said.

See Monday's Evening Press for pictures of the switch-on of lights at Malton and at Norton.

Updated: 09:37 Saturday, December 03, 2005