CHRISTMAS lights will be switched on in people’s homes over the next few weeks, but some Colchester residents use their illuminations to spread more than just seasonal cheer.

They go the extra mile with their decorations, to raise money for good causes or pay tribute to lost friends.

Marilyn Banyard, of Walnut Tree Way, Colchester, has been helping charities with her festive display for the past 20 years.

She asks people to show their Christmas spirit by throwing any spare change into the wishing well in her garden, and all the money raised goes to the RSPCA.

Mrs Banyard said: “The amount we raise depends on people’s generosity.

“The RSPCA totally relies on donations to run everything.

“We have two German Shepherds we got from the Danaher Animal Home, in Wethersfield.

“We know at the moment, it is desperate for donations.”

Another resident who uses their lights to improve the lives of others is Pauline Moate, of Clover Way, Ardleigh.

Every year, Mrs Moate and her family choose a different local charity to donate all the proceeds from the display.

She said: “We’ve done the lights every year for the past seven years.

“Mistley Animal Sanctuary, the Stepping Stones nursery, RSPCA, and the Salvation Army have all had money from us before.

“We pin a box to the tree and people can put in money.

“It’s been getting better for donations. We average between £500 and £700 a year.”

Last year, Mrs Moate donated cash to the Women’s Refuge, in Colchester, and has decided to support it again this Christmas.

She said: “They were very impressed with how much we raised, so we thought we would help them again.”

For some, the Christmas lights are a way of remembering loved ones who have passed away.

Donna Smith, of Hamlet Drive, Greenstead, is turning on her Christmas lights two weeks earlier than normal, in memory of her best friend, who died earlier this year.

Leanda Inglis, from Colchester, was 38 when she died in her sleep on August 3.

Miss Smith said: “It’s very difficult, as this is the first Christmas without her. She was my best mate.”

One of the lights Miss Smith bought reminded her of her friend.

She said: “I bought an angel. She was quite spiritual, so she loved angels.”