A couple who have both fought cancer are doing their bit to help spread Christmas cheer around their community.

Pat and Kevin Green staged a switch-on event at their illuminated home in Oak Drive, Larkfield, on Saturday, raising money for Cancer Research.

Mrs Green, 57, has been in remission from throat cancer for three years while her 62-year-old husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer four years ago.

The pair, who have seven grandchildren and are expecting another before Christmas, were both unable to work due to their illness, although Mr Green has now returned as a driver.

They began collecting lights when they moved to the street 23 years ago and have added a few more each year.

Seven years ago they began taking loose change from onlookers, as the lights often drew a crowd. The money goes towards Cancer Research.

Mrs Green, whose father died of throat cancer at the age of 50, said: “Everyone you speak to knows someone who has been affected by the disease.

“It’s so great to be able to do something that raises money for a good cause while celebrating Christmas.

“Despite everything my husband has been through he gets up the ladder every year and puts the lights up, this year I even got him to dress up as Father Christmas after picking up a costume in a charity shop.”

So far they have raised £140 and will keep collecting until the first week in January.

Last year the pair raised over £450 throughout the festive period.

She added: “People get so excited, I love Christmas so much and it’s just become a bit of a yearly tradition.”

In previous years donations have been made to the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance, British Heart Foundation and Slideaway.

The pair display a letter from the charity and leave it outside their home so any givers are reassured their money goes to the good cause.