Street becomes winter wonderland for fundraiser

A street has been illuminated with Christmas lights in a bid to raise £16,000 for charity.

Sarum Avenue, in Melksham, Wiltshire, has been transformed into a winter wonderland in support of Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

Now in its fourth year, one of the most anticipated attractions is a 16ft (5m) high Father Christmas, illuminated with more than 6,000 LED lights.

Kelvin Cantello, one of the organisers, said: "The look on kids' faces when they see everything, they just love it. It's such lovely memories for them all."

The scene includes a handmade helicopter, inspired by a real Bath and Wiltshire Air Ambulance craft, as well as a log cabin, several snowmen and a herd of reindeer.

Sarum Avenue's festive fundraiser raised £400 in its first year, £5,000 in its second and £16,000 in 2024.

Organisers hope to beat that amount this year, if the weather improves.

Mr Cantello added: "The weather has been pretty bad and we've already been out and been soaked several times."

Sarum Avenue is free to visit - with the lights on this weekend, and 20 and 21 December - with people encouraged to donate as they walk past the 22 illuminated houses and various festive lights.

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