A GRANDAD who turns his home into a magical winter wonderland every year has raised a record £1,861 for St Luke's.

David Robinson has been creating a magnificent Christmas display in his garden on Station Road for more than 30 years.

Since 2013, the 71-year-old has raised a phenomenal £9,382 for the hospice!

Before that he collected donations for various charities including prostate cancer, Guide Dogs and the Salvation Army.

David started his grotto when his own two children were young.

His daughter Stephanie, 42, and son Craig, 39, now enjoy the festive display with his wife Pat and four grandchildren.

Northwich Guardian:

David Robinson in his magical winter wonderland with his grandchildren

"It did very well this year, "said David. "I am really pleased. People were so generous and even put £20, £10 and £5 notes into the box.

"I also received some lovely messages through the door. Knowing that people appreciate the display makes it all the more worthwhile."

A tombola with gifts donated by generous businesses raised more than £300 on the first night the lights were switched on.

"We had some fantastic prizes," said David. "I want to thank all the businesses and local people who dropped off prizes."

Setting up the illuminated life-sized figures is a labour of love. One tree alone has 2,800 bulbs!

"We started on November 1, checking all the lights and getting everything out," he said. "Without the help of my brother-in-law Melvyn Hulse, my daughter Stephanie and my wife Pat, I couldn't do it."

Projector screens bring the much-loved adventures of The Snowman back to life and Father Christmas can be seen waving from a bedroom window.

Northwich Guardian:

David Robinson and his brother-in-law Melvyn Hulse spend a month preparing and setting up the giant grotto

David, now retired from his job at an insulation company, funds the entire display himself - the lights alone increased his electricity bill by £150 a month.

READ > New jobs on offer for community nurses

"People did donate some new lights which was very much appreciated," said David. "I have already bought a rocking horse for next time and some new lights that were in the sales.

"Hopefully we will be able to carry on for as long as we can."

Mandy Shaw, community fundraiser for St Luke’s Hospice, said: “A huge thank you to Mr Robinson and his whole family who all get involved in the Christmas lights display.

"They put such a lot of time, effort, imagination and expense into putting on the display each year, not just for the community to enjoy but to support the care of local people at the hospice.

"They have raised an incredible amount of money for St Luke’s over the past seven years and we are immensely grateful for their ongoing support.”