Renowned Mansfield street's Christmas lights display is most magical yet

The tradition has been running on Paddock Close for more than 10 years. Photo by Sarah Bryan.

In a tradition which has been running for more than 10 years, Paddock Close has been transformed into a winter wonderland again- and this year it’s in the name of charity.

Rob Taylor has the most lights on the street, with other residents describing his home as “the centre piece”.

The 60-year-old was inspired to raise money for the Make A Wish Foundation, which grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions, by the the youngsters he looks after as a full-time foster carer.

He said: “We have talked about doing it for charity for years. Because we foster children we thought it would be a good charity to give to.

“We also have a family friend who is terminally ill so that was also behind the choice.

“The street is really popular this time of year, and the event has proven popular too.

“People know our street because of this tradition, even in Nottingham people say ‘Is it The Paddock Close’?”

He added: “It took three days to put them all up, and we have accumulated more and more over the past 12 years. It’s a real street community, everyone has helped out and joined in.”

Nicola Delucis, director of a recruiting company, said: “We must get hundreds of people coming to see the lights.

Mum-of-three Sally Gillborn is also taking part.

She said: “We have always done the lights from the beginning- and have been told for a few years we should do something for charity.

“Rob started it off and a few of us have joined in. It’s a tradition we have as a street, but there was no pressure to out-do each other.”

Nicola Delucis, director of a recruiting company, said that Christmas “officially starts” when street’s lights are switched on.

She added: “We must get hundreds of people coming to see the lights.

“Every year it just gets bigger and better and we all love doing it. Whether we do it for charity or not, we would still do it for our family.

“We have a Santa on the side of our house climbing the chimney and people at my daughter’s school say when the Santa goes up it is the start of Christmas.

“It is just magical when you turn into the street.”

If you wish to donate, visit a Just Giving Page that has been set up at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/PaddockClose2016