Christmas-lover David Press invited hundreds of children to his front garden on Saturday to catch a glimpse of his Christmas lights – all in the name of charity.

Mr Press lit up the extravagant festive decorations outside his house in Battlers Green Drive, Radlett, on Saturday to raise money for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.

His porch was choc-a-bloc with smiling youngsters who came to watch the big switch-on with their parents.

The 69-year-old said: “I am really pleased with how it went. There was a really big turnout. We did a countdown and all the kids were cheering.

“It was really a great affair. Just after we switched the lights on, the fireworks went off – they were really great.”

Mr Press managed to raise £75 on Saturday alone, and is hopeful that more people will come along to see the lights and donate cash.

He has been lighting his house for the charity for the past ten years, after hearing how his neighbour Edith Oakley lost her son John to the disease in the 1970s.

The grandfather-of-seven added: “Since I started doing this, I have managed to raise £15,000, which is obviously unbelievable.

“I know money is tight but I am keeping my fingers crossed that people will come and see the lights and donate. I am looking forward to seeing what we can do this year.”