HUNDREDS of people turned out to see one family turn on their Christmas lights in a fundraising tradition which has delighted local residents in Prestonpans for the last three years.

The Woods family open up their very own Santa’s grotto and decorate their home, on Longdykes Road, throughout the Christmas season to raise money for Cash for Kids and Missing Christmas, inviting visitors to leave a donation which can be cash or a toy.

More than 10,000 lights are lit up across the house and the roof, as well in the grotto and garden.

Dad Stevie Woods said this year’s switch-on, which happened on Saturday, December 1, attracted a crowd of 200 people and they had to replay the switch-on the next day after they were inundated with requests from families who had missed it.

Stevie said: “This is the third year we have had the lights to raise money for charity and we had a mini switch-on on the Sunday because of the number of emails we had from people who had been unable to come on the Saturday.

“It’s as popular as ever, with around 200 people coming on Saturday. Lots of people ask about our electricity bill over Christmas but it’s not too bad. We use a lot of LED bulbs which are more efficient.”

The lights stay on until December 28, between 4pm and 10pm each day. The grotto is open for visitors, with refreshments and magic reindeer food on sale for 50p.

All money raised goes to charity.