For 22 years Nigel Rudling has been draping his home in Christmas lights, much to the enjoyment of villagers in Lingwood and to the benefit of many charities.

But the 71-year-old has decided that this year will be his last, and so villagers are appealing for families to gather for a special goodbye outside his High Way home on Christmas Eve.

Tania Smith, who lives in the village, said: 'We thought it would be a fitting tribute to say thank you for all the years he has done at 5pm on Christmas Eve and we hope as many people turn up as possible.

'We will be singing a few Christmas carols and having some mince pies.

'I have a grandchild who comes here on a regular basis and she absolutely loves it. All the little ones do.'

It takes around two weeks for Mr Rudling to unpack all the lights, and another two weeks for him to decorate his semi-detached home, as well as his neighbour's half of the building too.

He chooses a charity to benefit from donations made by families coming to see the lights, and estimates he has raised thousands over the years for causes such as East Anglia's Children's Hospices, Help for Heroes and the Royal British Legion. This year he is raising funds for Macmillan nurses.

The grandfather-of-six, who is retired and lives with his wife Sallie, said: 'Our youngest grandchild is only just five months but even he could raise a smile when we put the lights on.'

He said one of his highlights was in 2008 when he raised money for the Fire Service Benevolent Fund, and a crew from Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service brought a fire engine out to the house.

Do you have a charity story? Call reporter Kim Briscoe on 01603 772474.