The sparkle of Christmas lights will welcome people once again this year as a popular fundraiser returns.

The Aviator pub, Queenborough Corner, will be putting up its display for a second time after it took on the responsibility last December.

Residents of Foxley Road, Queenborough, used to illuminate their homes for charity every year.

But the increasing cost of power and some occupants’ concerns about their ability to put up the lights as they got older, brought an end to it in what would have been its 12th year.

The Rotary Club of Minster-on-Sea came to the rescue after Aviator manager and Rotarian Phil Chislett offered to put the residents’ decorations up.

Club spokesman Kevin Roberts said: “Obviously their [Foxley Road] lights were coming out of private premises so it was getting a bit expensive.

“It is a shame they had to stop but I can see why and it was time consuming organising it, whereas, at the Rotary Club there is a network of people who can all do different jobs.

“Queenborough Corner is quite prominent so people can see it when they come onto the Island.

“Foxley Road used to raise at least £1,000 and give it to local charities, so we have taken it on and kept it going.”

He added brewers Shepherd Neame, which owns the Aviator, have agreed to foot the electricity bill. Rotary Club members have spent the last three weeks repairing old lights and putting them on frames ready to be installed.

The launch will take place on Saturday, December 8, with entertainment and music from 6pm before the switch on at 7pm.

There will be food and mulled wine available as well as performances from Four of a Kind, Friends from Little Theatre and the Rotary Christmas Disco.

Money raised on the night and over Christmas will go towards charities on Sheppey.

• Businesses interested in sponsorship can call Kevin Roberts on 07785 763793.