A couple’s bid to light up their bungalow with Christmas decorations for the last time having raised £30,000 for charity has reached their wish list target.

A jam packed switch on at the Whittlesey couple’s cottage, joined by the cast of Key Theatre’s pantomime, brought in £1,335, taking the total up to the jackpot they wanted.

For more than 20 years John and Gina Ferridge’s home has become a local attraction for families who visit in the run up to Christmas to enjoy the seasonal light show and donate money in memory of the couple’s son Nick who died of leukaemia in 1976.

Over the years the pair have raised £28,600 for Children with Cancer and this year wanted to tip the top to take it £30,000, which they have already achieved.

Mr Ferridge said: “The amount we raised in one evening is double what is usually taken on the switch on night.

“I can’t thank people enough for all the support they have given us. It’s absolutely amazing.

“Our son Joe and daughter Hannah gave a speech on the night about how proud they are of what we have achieved and it which made the tears roll down our faces, it was very emotional.

“We hadn’t realised just how big our light display was and how much families had made it part of their Christmas traditions coming to see it.”

Joining the event was Yvonne West, of Children with Cancer UK and Alderman Jacobs school choir.

Yvonne said: “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.”