One family in Cambridgeshire is already preparing for Christmas, having started to put up their annual charity lights display.

Wisbech Standard: Soham Christmas lights couple Helen and John Attlesey hold trial switch-on.Soham Christmas lights couple Helen and John Attlesey hold trial switch-on. (Image: Terry Harris)

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Wisbech Standard: Soham Christmas lights couple Helen and John Attlesey hold trial switch-on event.Soham Christmas lights couple Helen and John Attlesey hold trial switch-on event. (Image: Terry Harris)

Helen and John Attlesey decorate their house in Soham every year in aid of charity, but this year there will be no switch-on event due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Wisbech Standard: Soham Christmas lights couple Helen and John Attlesey hold trial switch-on.Soham Christmas lights couple Helen and John Attlesey hold trial switch-on. (Image: Terry Harris)

Helen said: "Not all of them are up but we've made a start and it's definitely a work in progress.

"Like last year, when we think we're ready we'll just switch them on - it'll probably be about the middle of November."

Wisbech Standard: Soham Christmas lights couple Helen and John Attlesey hold trial switch-on.Soham Christmas lights couple Helen and John Attlesey hold trial switch-on. (Image: Terry Harris)

Their 2020 display raised £12,895.57 - more than double the previous year's total - for three charities close to the couple's hearts.

The money was divided between three charities that have helped their grandson: East Anglia's Children's Hospices, Great Ormond Street Hospital and Dreamflight, who take a group of children to Disneyland each year.

Wisbech Standard: Soham Christmas lights couple Helen and John Attlesey hold trial switch-on event. -Soham Christmas lights couple Helen and John Attlesey hold trial switch-on event. - (Image: © Terry Harris)

Money raised from donations this year will specifically go to East Anglia's Children's Hospices.

Wisbech Standard: Soham Christmas lights couple Helen and John Attlesey hold trial switch-on.Soham Christmas lights couple Helen and John Attlesey hold trial switch-on. (Image: Terry Harris)

Wisbech Standard: Soham Christmas lights couple Helen and John Attlesey hold trial switch-on.Soham Christmas lights couple Helen and John Attlesey hold trial switch-on. (Image: Terry Harris)

Wisbech Standard: Soham Christmas lights couple Helen and John Attlesey hold trial switch-on.Soham Christmas lights couple Helen and John Attlesey hold trial switch-on. (Image: Terry Harris)