One man's extravagant Christmas light display will not only be cheering passers-by again this year, but will also be raising money for youngster Grace Matthews.

Four-year-old Grace, of Bacton Road, Mile Cross, had her legs amputated after she suffered meningitis, as previously reported.

Now 32-year-old carpenter Darren Walker is turning his annual house display into one that will raise cash for her.

Grace attends Mile Cross Primary School, where Mr Walker's children are also pupils. He says Grace's story is one that is close to the whole community.

He said: 'I normally do it for my children but if I can do it for another kid on my estate, then great.

'Grace is well known around the local area, so I'm sure people will be happy to donate. It is good to have local people raising money for a local girl.'

Mr Walker will invite donations to be made to Grace and her family to go towards good quality prosthetic limbs she may need when she nears adulthood.

'I never realised the prosthetic legs cost so much; we should all do our bit to help them,' he said.

Every year Mr Walker sees cyclists crossing the road to get a better look at his light display and cars slowing down to gaze at his eye-catching lights at the front of his home on Parr Road in Mile Cross.

His display includes illuminated snowmen in the garden, icicle lights hanging from the gutters of his and the two neighbouring houses, Santa swinging on a swing, fibre optic trees and animated characters, including reindeer.

Grace's mum, Vicky Matthews, said: 'For him to do that and think of Grace is great; it is a lovely idea.

'For local kids to be able to see the house all lit up is really sweet.

'There are so many little ways of raising money that I would never have thought of. It is lovely that people do these things.'

Anybody who would like to help with fundraising for Grace or feel inspired to donate after seeing the display, can contact her family on 01603 479557 or email vicky@victoriablinds.co.uk