Hundreds of Croxley Green residents turned out to see a village tradition that has taken place for the past 34 years - the illumination of ‘The Christmas House’.

Every year David Edwards, 78, and his wife Carol place hundreds of bulbs and decorations on their Lancing Way home and invite viewers to make donations to a chosen charity.

The big switch-on this Friday (November 9) attracted around 450 viewers and raised £378 and donations are being added every day.

Mr Edwards, who has raised more than £30,000 for various charities through his light shows, said he was delighted with the crowd which he believes was one of the biggest.

He said: "It was a very, very good evening and we had a wonderful response to the lights.

"It was particularly good to see a bigger crowd than last year and one of the biggest for some years.

"I think it helped that we are doing it for one of the local schools this time."

This year, money donated will be split between The Hospice of St Francis and Malvern Way School in Croxley Green.

Mr Edwards says despite new lights and increased electricity bills costing him £1,000 per year, every penny donated goes to the charity.

He said: "Energy bills do get a little bit more expensive every year, I did ask npower about it and sent them an email asking whether they could provide any reduction during that period but I never got a response.

"We never ask for sponsors or donations from anyone, we feel that if you can’t afford to do it then don’t do it.

"We always buy new lights every year to replace the ones that have got too old but we tend to get them after Christmas the previous year so they are on sale.

"We get a lot of enjoyment out of doing it and that is enough, as soon as we see children on the drive we go out and give them lollipops.

"It has been an eye opener this year because my daughter has shown us it has been on Facebook and YouTube this year."

One Tweeter said on Friday: "Just been to the Christmas highlight of Croxley; the Christmas House lights switch on!!!"

Another added: "Aw the Croxley Christmas lights house turned on tonight"

A section of Lancing Way outside was closed by police due to the number of people stood outside the house.