Oulton Broad Christmas Lane lights up for children's charity

Every house on Christmas Lane has joined in the festivities

Houses on an entire street have been decorated with Christmas lights to raise money for a children's charity.

The homes on Christmas Lane in Oulton Broad, Lowestoft, switched on their lights in aid of East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH).

What started as a few neighbours decorating their houses has become an annual fundraising event for the whole community.

Resident Denise Bretton said: "It's so uplifting, it's a joy to behold."

Last year, the residents of Christmas Lane raised more than £1,700 for East Anglia's Children's Hospices

"Each year people's displays get more and more resplendent," she added. "It's the fact that every house in Christmas Lane takes part, and also adjoining roads as well, which is lovely."

This year, multiple streets with festive names have joined in the fun, including Noel Road, Church Lane and St Michael's Close.

The roads decided to fundraise for EACH - a charity supporting children with life-threatening conditions and their families - as "Christmas is about children".

Residents have displayed QR codes along the roads, so spectators can donate to an online JustGiving page, and collection buckets are also in place.

The Christmas Lane switch-on took place on 2 December

They raised £1,700 for the charity in 2022 and hope to raise even more this year, with donations open until January 2024.

The street held a switch-on event on Saturday and Ms Bretton said "hundreds of pounds was collected on the night".

Tina Burdett, EACH community fundraiser manager said: "Once again, the Christmas Lane residents have pulled out all the stops to put on a spectacular display and show their support for EACH.

"It's become an amazing, very popular and eye-catching tradition and our sincere thanks go to everyone who takes the time to make it happen."