A Christmas-loving Maltby couple’s magical festive lights display has raised over £4,000 for Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice as well as scooping a prestigious national award.

Darren Limb and his partner Natalie Price dazzled local residents and passers-by with their show-stopping illuminations, with some visiting several times to get into the Christmas spirit.

Months in the making, the couple’s socially distant winter wonderland included thousands of lights along with reindeers, Santas, snowmen and even a Coca Cola truck that Darren painstakingly crafted in his spare time.

Now, as well spreading some much-needed joy over Christmas, the couple’s efforts will help Bluebell Wood spread cheer among local families all year round.

“We started doing a display last Christmas, and this year, with everything that’s been going on, we decided to really go to town,” said Darren, 37, who manufactures windows by trade.

“The response has been absolutely fantastic. We started sharing it to local facebook groups for people who wanted to pop down and safely have a look, and it just went crazy. We raised more in one night this year than we did over the whole festive period last year!”

For Darren, it’s very much a labour of love.

“I really enjoy doing it all and the kids love it too,” Darren added.

“Our youngest, who are one and two years old, both stood in the window every night and waved at people as they came to have a look.”

After the phenomenal response the family decided to enter a national competition, Illumination Street, and were delighted to bag third prize. Darren says he’ll use the prize – a £100 garden centre voucher – to buy more lights for next year’s display.

“We’ve already spent £400 on lights for next year and we’ve got plenty of ideas to go even bigger and better,” said Darren.

“We’re hoping to have a nativity scene and a sleigh in the garden, and hopefully by then people will even be able to come and sit in the sleigh.

“Although by the time I’ve taken all the lights down it’ll probably be next Christmas.”

Anna Gott, Regional Fundraiser at Bluebell Wood, said: “We can’t thank Darren and Natalie enough for all they’ve done for Bluebell Wood, as well as all those who generously donated to support our life-changing work.

“The display was absolutely stunning and exactly what people needed after such a tough year.

“As well as spreading bucket-loads of festive cheer, Darren and Natalie have raised a phenomenal sum for the hospice at a time we need the support of the communities we serve more than ever.”