A DAD-OF-THREE'S Christmas lights are helping the community get into the festive spirit for the 24th year running.

A former technical stage manager at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, Anthony Aster picked up "a load of spare lights" around Christmastime in 1998.

Kitting his Freckleton Road home out in festive lights, Anthony said his Christmas idea has "grown and grown" with each passing year.

READ > Festive street sees 'biggest numbers so far' at Christmas lights switch on

St Helens Star: Anthony has been decorating his home for 24 years runningAnthony has been decorating his home for 24 years running (Image: Becky Aster)

It is a tradition he can't get away from, the dad joked, and his property is now decorated in top-to-bottom LED lights, a Christmas tree, and inflatable characters.

Anthony said: "I didn't even realise it but people have told me they have been stopping by and bringing their kids to the house for over 20 years.

"We've had cards and chocolates gifted to us and it seems to really get people into the festive spirit and brighten their day." 

St Helens Star: Inflatable festive designs at the Aster houseInflatable festive designs at the Aster house (Image: Becky Aster)

With the home becoming a festive attraction for passers-by in Toll Bar, the Aster family started to put a charity box outside a few years ago, as well as an online donation page for Willowbrook Hospice.

After a family member needed the care of the end-of-life hospice in the last few years, Anthony said that Willowbrook is a vital charity for families who are thrown into that position.

St Helens Star: The Aster family have been raising money for Willowbrook Hospice over the last few yearsThe Aster family have been raising money for Willowbrook Hospice over the last few years (Image: Becky Aster)

With the LED lights inexpensive to run, the Aster festive lights are switched on from 4.30pm to 10pm every night from the start of December through to January.

As next year marks the family's 25th anniversary of its Christmas lights, Anthony said that he has something special planned to mark the occasion and keep the community entertained.

To celebrate the Aster family's festive designs and raise money for Willowbrook Hospice, you can donate to their fundraiser here.

St Helens Star: Anthony said he has more plans for the family's 25th anniversary next yearAnthony said he has more plans for the family's 25th anniversary next year (Image: Becky Aster)