Crow Lane houses light up for Christmas tradition

Homeowners on Crow Lane, Newton-le-Willows, continued their annual tradition as they turned on their Christmas lights on Saturday.

Saturday marked the fifth year the "tight-knit community" turned on their Christmas lights in unison to raise money for Willowbrook.

The neighbours have already raised £600 for the charity in just two days.

The tradition started with the Crow Lane cottages and has seen extended down the street (Image: Catrin Jones)

Discussing Saturday’s switch-on, Neil Sankey, one of the cottage owners who lights his house up on Crow Lane, said: "This is the fifth year we’ve done it now and once again we chose Willowbrook for the great work it does for the community.

"The switch on event on Saturday, I think, was the biggest numbers we’ve had so far.

The festive lights can be seen a good while before reaching the street (Image: Catrin Jones)

"It means a lot to us; we do it for the community and we gain the benefit of being able to give the money to the charity, but we’re also aware that times are hard for people and every pound helps, so any donations are greatly appreciated but we understand that it’s a difficult year.

"We want to thank the community for all their support and their kind words when they’re passing; it really does mean a lot to us."

READ > Thousands gather to watch nine-year-old leukaemia battler switch on Christmas lights

The competition began back in 2018 as a neighbourly porch competition, with passers-by voting for their favourite decorations, however, as the tradition expanded onto the whole street, the neighbours decided to raise funds for Willowbrook Hospice.

Donations can be made at the displays or on their Just Giving page (Image: Catrin Jones)

The row of Christmas lights is on from 4:30-9:30pm daily.

To support their cause and raise vital funds for Willowbrook Hospice, visit their fundraising page here.