A "hero" great-grandfather who brought so much joy to a community at Christmas has died at the age of 76.

David Press was a popular and distinguished figure in Radlett, raising tens of thousands of pounds for charity with his impressive and colourful festive lights display at his home.

For 20 years, Mr Press lit up his house in Battlers Green Drive in thousands of Christmas lights, turning his home into Radlett's very own Santa's grotto.

The lights brought happiness to the families that travelled across the village but beyond the visual display, there was an act of kindness too.

Watford Observer:

That's because Mr Press would raise money every year for Bloodwise, a blood cancer charity.

A former firefighter, Mr Press began his festive lights display 20 years ago when a neighbour's son died of leukaemia.

Since then, in the run-up to Christmas, the displays have only got bigger with fireworks adding to the celebrations.

Last year looked like being Mr Press' last display due to ill health but his family says his dying wish was for one final swansong.

Watford Observer:

David Press

His daughter Debbie Evans said: "My father's dying wish was for the lights to go up on Sunday so we will have one final display for the community.

"He was our world and he was like a hero. He did so much for the community. He was such a do-gooder and he has left a gaping hole.

"I'd like to thank everyone especially Tanya Coxill who will help make Sunday happen. We really appreciate it as family that we can go ahead with my father's final wish."

This year, all proceeds from the display will go to Peace Hospice Care Watford - the charity which looked after Mr Press until his death on November 5, as well as providing care for his son Glenn, who died earlier this year.

The Christmas lights switch-on and fireworks display takes place at 6pm this Sunday (December 1) in Battlers Green Drive, Radlett.

A fundraising page for the peace hospice in memory of Mr Press can be found here.