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Christmas lights on Canterbury house make it one of Kent's most festive homes

12:09, 12 December 2021

updated: 12:14, 12 December 2021

This house covered from floor to roof in Christmas lights has a strong claim to be named Kent's most festive house.

The home in Reed Avenue, Canterbury, includes a handmade sleigh and reindeer, with all the decorations put up by 67-year-old John Parker.

Is this house in Reed Avenue, Canterbury, the most festive in Kent? Picture: Nikita-Jane Parker
Is this house in Reed Avenue, Canterbury, the most festive in Kent? Picture: Nikita-Jane Parker
The Christmas lights at Reed Avenue in Canterbury. Picture: Nikita-Jane Parker
The Christmas lights at Reed Avenue in Canterbury. Picture: Nikita-Jane Parker

And the illuminations are not just there to brighten up the dark December nights - there is also an inspirational aim behind the efforts of Mr Parker and wife Judy, 65.

The couple are raising money for St Nicholas Specialist School in Canterbury, which their grandson Kenneth Leith, 10, attends.

John and Judy Parker have been putting up Christmas lights in Reed Avenue, Canterbury, for almost 40 years. Picture: Nikita-Jane Parker
John and Judy Parker have been putting up Christmas lights in Reed Avenue, Canterbury, for almost 40 years. Picture: Nikita-Jane Parker
Grandson Kenneth Leith, 10, enjoying the festive display. Picture: Nikita-Jane Parker
Grandson Kenneth Leith, 10, enjoying the festive display. Picture: Nikita-Jane Parker

They said: "This school and the staff and facilities are amazing, and we hope this year to make a difference to a local school and help them with the amazing work that they do.

"We are so appreciative of how they have helped our grandson and how far he has come, and we want to be able to give back to the community in some way.

"We have collaborated with the school and they have decided to use any funds raised for resources for the classrooms."

The handmade reindeer and sleigh at Reed Avenue, Canterbury. Picture: Nikita-Jane Parker
The handmade reindeer and sleigh at Reed Avenue, Canterbury. Picture: Nikita-Jane Parker

The Parkers put on an amazing Christmas display every year, with all the proceeds going to charity.

This year's set-up includes "a few interactive surprises to bring the children along and get involved in".

Grandaughter Nikita-Jade Parker, 24, said: "My grandparents have also been doing lights for around 38 years now and have just built them up and up.

"It’s my grandad's thing - he is Mr Christmas in our house!"

More than £400 has already been raised for Kenneth's school.

You can donate to the fundraiser here.

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