Family’s bright idea has become a festive staple in village

A Warboys family kept a long-running tradition going by inviting neighbours to attend their Christmas light switch-on.

Julie and Brian Turner have transformed their Old Mill Avenue home into a winter wonderland for the past 18 years and their annual switch-on has become something of a fixture in the local calendar.

On Saturday, about 100 people attended as a dazzling display of lights and festive decorations came to life once more.

Guests were treated to mince pies, hot chocolate, mulled wine, and biscuits, and children were given the chance to meet Father Christmas, who had stopped by amid his busy preparations.

Julie, 50, and Brian, 54, who have seven children and 10 grandchildren, were also raising money for the neo-natal unit at Hinchingbrooke Hospital on the night, with about £50 collected in donations.

Daughter Emma Lilley said: “Every year my dad says it will be his last but the grandchildren always mange to persuade him to give it one more go! Everybody really loves it.”

Emma said this year’s event was particularly poignant for the family as it was the first switch-on without Brian’s father, Mervyn, who died earlier this year.