A KIND-hearted couple in Widnes have switched on their Christmas lights in aid of the area's foodbank.

It is fourth year Toni and Steve Thorne have set up the bright and colourful display selection of lights outside their home in Bancroft Road, Widnes for local good causes.

Among the festive display is an 18ft Santa clause.

The lights were switched on last night (Monday) and can be seen until January 2.

Proceeds from this year will go to Widnes foodbank.

Toni told Runcorn & Widnes World today: "Steve and myself have been doing our display for four years now for charity and this year we chose FoodBank.

"We chose FoodBank because there is a lot of people in need of help.

"Also it's a local charity helping local people in desperate need.

"In the previous three years the charities we have raised money for are HATS (Halton access to sport), we did that for two years from 2016-17.

"Then last year the charity was YMCA.

"We pay our own electricity bill so take nothing out of the charities.

"In 2017 the local Mayor John Lowe switched them on for us that was exciting.

"We first started by putting some lights on for our own grandchildren then it escalated from there five years ago.

"So many people turned up saying we should do it for charity and have done it from there."

Widnes Foodbank provides three-day emergency food parcels to local people suffering in a short-term financial crisis.

Those in need are referred to the charity from one of over 50 local frontline agencies.

According to its website, 3,209 three-day emergency food supplies were given to people in crisis across Halton in 2018/19.

For details on how you can help visit https://widnes.foodbank.org.uk/