WORTHY charities are being given a helping hand this Christmas thanks to a festive family and their glittering decorations.

The Chilver’s have covered their home in Edmonton Road, Kesgrave in glistening fairy lights for the past 12 years, much to the admiration of neighbours and passers by.

Each year they collect donations from those who come to see the lights, donating the money to the Tree House Appeal, St Elizabeth’s Hospice, the air ambulance, cancer and stroke charities.

Di Chilver said: “Decorating starts at the beginning of November to allow for inclement weather conditions and we have a grand switch on in December with a countdown, inviting friends and family to join us for a Christmas barbecue.”

This year’s switch-on was held on Saturday, December 8 and the family collecting �300 on this one night alone.

Mrs Chilver added: “As a family we get immense pleasure from seeing ‘little people’s face light up’ as they see the lights and walk up to the Nativity scene to see the baby Jesus.

“This year we have chosen to support ‘Mason’s Magic’ - supporting Mason’s family in their aim to raise funds for young people who are coping with brain tumours.”

But their charitable spirit does not stop there, as Mrs Chilver explained.

“A group of us, crazy that we are, aged 15 to 60, including Mason’s mum are taking a dip in the North Sea at Felixstowe on Boxing Day to hopefully raise more funds. We will be braving the weather and the cold sea at 11am at The Dip.

“We hope that any walkers along the Promenade will help by making donations in our collection buckets. Other donations can be made via Mason’s Magic website.”