FARNHAM’S most festive house has switched on its light display for the 26th consecutive year, in aid of children with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

Gail Whattingham, with the help of friends and family, has amassed a collection of more than 100,000 bulbs outside her house in Greenfield Road since 1989.

In that time she has raised more than £25,000 for an array of charities, including last year’s recipient Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice.

This year’s display is raising money for local children’s hospice Shooting Star Chase and boasts several new additions including an illuminated model train set.

Gail told The Herald: “The family all came together to switch on the lights on Saturday, December 5, and to our surprise lots of people joined us.

“It was like they were hiding in the hedges or something and they just came out of nowhere. One gentleman gave us more than £40 in change which was lovely.”

Gail added her family was inspired to support Shooting Star Chase after witnessing the tragedy of a couple of friends losing their baby to illness.

The lights at 82 Greenfield Road will be switched on between around 4.30pm and 9.30pm daily until Twelfth Night, January 6. A collection box is provided at the front of the house for donations.