A fabulous display in a North Derbyshire village is bringing festive cheer to local families this Christmas. 

There’s no doubt Santa is on the way in Tibshelf, where resident Chris Ball has created a spectacular light show to raise money for families supported by Bluebell Wood. 

The dazzling display of Christmas lights and characters, on the corner of Chesterfield Road and Hawthorne Avenue, includes a 45 feet Christmas tree and a giant Santa. 

Chris said: “As our children are four and six, and have really started to embrace Christmas, we’ve started having more decorations around our home. We thought the next step would be to decorate our garden and house with lights for charity, especially a children’s one at this time of year. 

“I knew straight away I wanted to do this for Bluebell Wood. I had a memorable experience several years ago when I went to the hospice with my car as part of a Supercar Driver event for Bluebell Wood.  Seeing first-hand the fantastic work that Bluebell Wood does and the smiles on the faces of the children left a lasting impression.  I will always remember a young boy saying this was ‘the best day of his life’. 

“Quite a few ‘elves’ have helped me to put the lights up, including Bill Hartley, Rob Stanton, Mark Marriott, Harry Brocklehurst and Dave Beckett, who kindly lent us a cherry picker to decorate the 45 feet tall Christmas Tree. 

“The lights will be on from 4.30 to 8.30 each evening, and we may keep them on until later on Saturdays if it gets busy. Our gates will be open for a walk round on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 4.30pm. We’re hoping to have the giant Santa up every day, unless it gets too windy.” 

Lucy Rathbone, Community Fundraiser for North Derbyshire, Bluebell Wood, said: “We’d like to say a big thank you to Chris and his team of helpers for making this wonderful display in support of Bluebell Wood families. We’re sure they will be an awesome sight for spectators as well as raising valuable funds for children and young adults whose lives are just too short.” 

The lights are on the corner of Chesterfield Road and Hawthorne Avenue, Tibshelf. Satnav postcode DE55 5NL. 

People can donate online at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ChristmasLightsTibshelf or by texting CRIB70 followed by £1/2/3/5/10 to 70070. For example, text "CRIB70 £3" to 70070 to donate £3.