Shining example illuminates Mirfield

Derek Highe’s home in Robin Royd Avenue, Mirfield, is never short of attention at Christmas time as his show-stopping spectacles of light brighten the holiday period for the whole town.

A winter wonderland of snow, polar bears, penguins and a gleaming light-encrusted Christmas tree are now in his front garden, staying true to form with impressive efforts from previous years.

“I started doing this 10 years ago,” said Mr Highe. “I would put lights up and I realised that a lot of people came round to see them, so I would raise a collection for charities.”

Over the years, Derek has raised more than £25,000 for local charities through collections at his lights displays.

In 2008, the whole street was closed for a special switch-on, which was presented by ITV Calendar’s Duncan Wood.

Derek added: “This year we are collecting for Kirkwood Hospice – we have 6,000 multi-coloured lights on the house, so hopefully we should make a bit of money for them!”