A THURROCK family's Christmas lights extravaganza not only brought smiles to many people who saw it, but at the weekend it delivered a cash legacy to a local charity.

Every Christmas the Bagge family in Whitmore Avenue, Stifford Clays, light up their home with a display of Christmas-themed videos, festive film montages including Disney's classic Frozen as well as dozens of colourful lights and effects.

The attraction, which the family have been running for five years, draws hundreds of visitors – and last December the road had to be closed to ensure safety at the official opening.

Jamie Bagge, who lives with his partner, Jodie, and three kids, Katie, Jack and Alfie, turned up to meet volunteers from the Thurrock-based Re-Engage community charity and made a presentation of £868.50 raised by the lights to the charity.

Local co-ordinator Loraine Coleman said: "Thank you so, so much Jamie for your generosity donating to our special charity. Such a fabulous donation will go 100 per cent towards tea parties and special outings to reduce isolation and loneliness within our local Thurrock community.

"Thank you so much to all the very generous local community for donating such an amazing amount."

Jamie will be back in the limelight this Friday (28 February) when he is one of many borough heroes attending Thurrock Council's Civic Awards event. Jamie has been nominated for an award in the 'Stronger Together' community category.