A Christmas lights switch-on collected £1,000 in donations to help seriously ill children across the country.

Number three Waterfall Cottages, in Park Road, Rivenhall illuminated once again thanks to owners Darren Hammond and Vicky Long.

This year, the duo collected donations for Beat It Box, a Witham based charity providing to support to seriously ill children and their families.

Lisa Corbett set up the charity when her son Charlie was diagnosed with Acute Lymphatic Leukaemia at the age of 14.

Since April his family have delivered 40 care boxes to University College London Hospital where Charlie received treatment

Tina Townsend, a trustee of Beat It Box, said: "It was an amazing night. We had mince pies, mulled wine and it was a really really nice evening.

"Sadly Charlie was not well enough to turn on the lights for us, but his little sister did it instead.

"It was brilliant and we raised a total of £750 from donations on the night and online.

"The Rotary club has agreed to round it up to £1,000."

To donation, visit http://bit.ly/2nfXZEM.