A sparkling seasonal showdown makes its last official appearance this year as a Whittlesey couple cover their home and garden in Christmas lights for the final time.

Cambs Times: John Ferridge's Christmas lights in 2011John Ferridge's Christmas lights in 2011 (Image: Archant)

Over the years the festive fiesta has raised £28,600 for a children’s cancer charity in memory of the couple’s son Nick who died of leukaemia 39 years ago at the age of just eight.

Now, John and Gina Ferridge have decided to hang up the mammoth lighting task, with a wish to bow out by hitting a fund raising jackpot total of £30,000.

The grand switch on for this year’s event is Saturday November 28 when Alderman Jacobs school choir sing carols at 4.30pm and the cast of the Key Theatre panto join them for the big switch on at 5pm.

Mr Ferridge said: “I don’t think we will ever totally stop decorating the house but from next year it will be vastly scaled down to just a few lights in the garden and the nativity scene, but I wont be climbing up on the roof any more and going to town with it.

“We know it has become a part of Christmas celebrations for many families who come here with children which is why we will keep a few still but it is time to call it a day.”

Every year for more than two decades the pair have covered their thatched cottage in Arnold’s Lane with hundreds of colourful lighting displays which has become a popular run up to Christmas attraction.

Year on year it has grown so that Mr Ferridge starts rigging up the lights at the beginning of October.

A Children with Cancer UK spokesman said: “We would like to thank John and Gina Ferridge for the valuable support they have given our charity over the years.

“They have raised a tremendous amount for Children with Cancer UK, as well as bringing lots of Christmas cheer to the people of Whittlesey with their fantastic lights display. We wish them every success in hitting their final jackpot.”