Kings Langley's very own Father Christmas has announced this will be the last year he will don a Santa suit and light up his house for charity.

A "disheartened" Tony Spicer was forced to change jobs this year, which led to a substantial loss in his wages, meaning he can no longer afford to decorate his Primrose Hill home in future years.

But after hosting the 24-day festive celebration at his home for ten years now, Tony is desperate to spread his festive cheer for some time to come and is hoping a sponsor will step forward or more donations will be made.

Tony said: "I think I have another 15 or 20 left years in me. I may be 56 but I can still climb up that roof like a 40-year-old."

A trip to Tony's illuminated home has been a Christmas highlight for many young residents over the years, with Santa Spicer setting up a Lapland-like grotto right on his doorstep to raise money for local charities. Last year, Tony raised more than £10,000 for the ABC Birthing Clinic at Watford General Hospital.

The 56-year-old has said if he could find donations to cover the cost of the 40,000 bulbs needed to illuminate his home each Christmas he would be "over the moon" and continue for many years to come.

Tony said: "If someone could donate money for the next few years, it would be the best Christmas present I've ever had. I understand I'm not the only one struggling, but I have felt the pinch this year and cannot afford to fund it myself."

Tony said he is "disheartened and dumbstruck" at the thought of having to hang up his Santa boots.

He said: "I get a great buzz out of seeing the joy on children's faces when they call to the house. They love it.

"My daughter has made a portfolio of the fantastic letters children have sent me over the years, it's a great reminder of the fun they've had.

"I would open my front door and fall over the mince pies that people have left me. I would really miss it if I had to give it up."

If he is unable to find the necessary funding, Tony is planning a farewell bash on the night of Christmas Eve this year to say goodbye.

There will be a bonfire and Tony is looking for fireworks to be donated so he can "literally go out with a bang" should 2010 be his last year.

Tony believes a total of £2,000 is needed to continue his annual fund-raising, which begins this year on December 1.

Anyone interested in donating should telephone Tony on 07762 006314.