A record number of people gathered in Croxley Green on Saturday night to witness the "Christmas House" come to life.

David Edwards, 81, decorates his house in Lancing Way, Croxley Green, with thousands of Christmas lights every year and donates all of the cash to various charities.

In front of a crowd believed to be hundreds of people, the lights were switched on by Noah Collins, who received a large of sum of cash from last year's lights display.

This year, the proceeds will go towards Jake Skinner, who suffers from Cerebral Palsy and Mr Edwards hopes the popular lights extravaganza will raise enough money for Jake to go to America for physiotherapy and follow-on treatment after major surgery surgery in October last year.

Some of the cash will also go to Pod Children’s Charity, who send entertainers into hospitals.

Mr Edwards said: "We took more than £800 on the first night, which is a record. It is the most we have ever taken. There were at least 700 people here last year, and this year there was more still.

"The atmosphere was electric. The police closed off each end of the road between Baldwins Lane and Sherborne Way and then people just flooded the whole road.

"It was just amazing - I have never seen so many people. This year, the police estimated that there was between 800 and 900 people, but judging by the amount of money we have taken, it was closer to 1,000."

The retired house and garden maintenance worker hopes to continue putting up the lights for as long as he can.

Mr Edwards added: "As people said on Saturday night, ‘when you stop, the community will do it for you.’"

Chris Lloyd, chairman of Three Rivers District Council said: "It was great to support the event that Dave has been organising for many years.

"He is a credit to our community with the thousands of pounds he has raised for many different charities.

"It was fantastic that last year’s recipient, Noah, was able to be present, with his family, to switch on the lights and his father thanking the community for the support they have received."

The lights will be up until Monday, January 12.

Do you know a Christmas house that rivals this? Send your pictures to editor@watfordobserver.co.uk.