THE couple who run a popular Christmas lights display in Rushwick have managed a record-breaking year for their chosen charity.

Mick and Norma Gale managed to raise £825 for Midlands Air Ambulance by welcoming people into their garden in Christine Avenue to see their spectacular festive display.

The couple had thought the wet windy weather may have put some people off from visiting the gardens and were amazed to find they had beaten last year's total by £300.

Mr Gale said: "It's fantastic especially as we weren't open for as long this year and it was so wet and windy.

"We didn't expect to make that much for Midlands Air Ambulance but it has been great.

"Some nights we would have two or three people and then on others it would be 20 or 30.

"We would have repeat visitors and lots of people said it made their Christmas to come and see the display."

Mr and Mrs Gale, who name their display Santa's Garden, have been running the charity display for 15 years, the last ten years in aid of the air ambulance.

It takes three days to put up and take down the fairy lights, inflatables and decorations.

Next year they hope to beat the total again and raise £1,000.