A terminally ill grandad says it was an “emotional night” after hundreds of people turned up to see his Christmas lights display.

Kevin Green, from Larkfield, has been diagnosed with cancer and told he is unlikely to see the end of the month.

The 71-year-old said: “I love it every year but this year family, friends and the community excelled themselves.

“I could see all the kids who came along with their parents who used to come when they were younger.

“It was an emotional night for my family. I’m in awe of the community I moved into when I met my wife in 1987.

“I would like to thank everybody who turned up and donated. What a fantastic way to be remembered.”

His daughter, Nichole Marney-Green, said they were completely shocked at the crowds.

She said: “I couldn't actually give you a number, but just looking at it there were probably about a thousand people if not more.

“The roads were crazy. There were cars that weren’t part of the event trying to get out.

“A lot of local people were there, but a few from further afield too. We had family come from Maidstone and Faversham just for the event.”

Kevin and his wife Pat have lived in Oak Drive for more than three decades and have hosted a switch-on every time.

The pair bought the home in 1993 and began the tradition, with Pat buying a new decoration each year to add to their collection.

In 2007, they decided to step it up a notch to raise money for charity.

Nichole says her parents are known as the “Mr and Mrs Christmas of Larkfield” and have always loved the festive season.

The latest switch-on, which took place on Sunday (December 1) at 6pm, was bigger and better than ever.

Neighbours and residents donated extra lights and electric boxes, with one person sending extra money over so that Nichole could buy fireworks to coincide with the countdown.

An ice cream van parked up to serve some treats, the fire brigade visited to show their support and there was a performance by the local community choir.

A family friend also had a small stall handing out free hot dogs, Bucks Fizz and mince pies.

Nichole and her husband Dean, along with her brothers and sisters, started getting the house ready at 4.30pm.

The mum-of-two added: “We noticed cars started to fill up the road to park by about 5.15pm and at 5.30pm there were no spaces left.

“By the time my dad came outside, we had to move people out of the way so we could wheel him through.

“He was amazed. Obviously, he knew the lights were coming but I don't think he expected the turnout.

“It was really lovely to see the support. I’d like to say thank you to everyone for showing how much they love my mum and dad.”

Kevin was first diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2009 but recently further complications were found.

In September last year, he discovered he had kidney cancer and doctors made the decision to remove one.

Three months later, the former mechanic was told he also had bladder cancer and treatment for this started in March.

However, the family found out this month that it was unsuccessful and it had spread to his liver.

As a result, they held their own Christmas Day on Sunday, November 24 as they are not sure if Kevin will make it to the end of December.

Throughout the last 12 years, the couple have been raising money for Cancer Research UK.

So far, they have more than £2,000 in donations from their GoFundMe page and cash collected in buckets at the house.

Normally they would raise between £200 and £300 on opening night.

If you would like to contribute, please click here.

The lights will stay on for the rest of the month and further donations are welcome.