A FESTIVE grandfather who spreads cheer with his remarkable Christmas display is hoping to use the display to raise money for a worthy cause.

Keith Harvey, of Gainsborough Drive, Lawford, spends two weeks every year decorating his house with about 40 sets of lights.

Every December his home is transfor med into a dazzling display of colour, attracting delighted families from across the town.

This year he is hoping to use his displa y to raise some cash for Mistley-based Acorn Village, a residential home for adults with learning difficulties.

Keith, 73, who works as a driver for Riverside Taxis, said he got the idea from his boss, Ashley Martin.

He said: “This has always been something I’ve just done for myself and my family.

“My boy and my two grandsons come up every year when I turn them on, we have dinner and make a bit of an evening of it.

“But this year Ashley asked me ‘why don ’t you do it for charity.’

“I have had some really lovely comments from people, a bloke last year came along and gave his thanks for putting them up and that his children love them.

“People travel here just to see them.

Someone took a picture of the lights, put it on a Christmas card and sent it to me all the way from Jersey.

“I thought that was brilliant, I didn’t realise until I closed the card and realised I was looking at my own lights.”

“I have always been a Christmassy person.

“I first had some up on the tree in my front garden and just kept adding stuff every year.

“The lights have been up for the past 15 years and I mak e sure to add more every time.

“There are nine different features this year.

“I’v e always thought if it generates a bit more Christmas spirit then it’s a good thing and why not try and raise a bit of money for a good cause.

“Acorn Village made some signs up to stick outside as well.”

The lights will be up and donations can be made in a box outside the house until January 6.