THE arduous task of hanging thousands of fairy lights and decorations has begun for kind-hearted people who open up their gardens for charity at Christmas.

While it may take most of us a couple of hours to put up the Christmas tree and lights, it takes several weeks of planning for those who put on public displays to raise money for good causes.

Two such families are the Symonds in Whitbourne and the Gales in Rushwick who are both putting the finishing touches to their Christmas displays.

Mr Symonds has roped in Buzz and Woody from Toy Story to flick the switch on his lights which raise money for Acorns Children's Hospice and St Richard's Hospice.

He will be welcoming guests to his family home at 29 Acreage, Whitbourne, from 6.30pm on Saturday, December 10.

After the big switch on, the lights will be on every night until Friday, January 6.

The 23-year-old said: "We started in 2010. Before my grandfather died he stayed at St Richard's so we saw the fantastic work they did and wanted to give something back.

"We started out small but it has just got bigger and bigger and now we do it for two charities.

"We have between 100 to 150 visitors which, for a small village, is a lot.

"I love doing it. It takes about six weekends to get ready and I spend every night doing paperwork but it is worth it.

"It's great fun and I really enjoy it."

Also busy preparing their home with lights and inflatables are Mick and Norma Gale who will be opening up their back garden at 66 Christine Avenue, Rushwick.

They will be raising money for Midlands Air Ambulance and will be inviting families to watch the lights being switched on from 6pm on Saturday, December 10.

Mr Gale said: "All the Christmas lights are out of the shed.

"We have almost finished putting them up after three weekends this year.

"There are a few new ones this year but we still have the old favourite Rudolf the ten foot reindeer.

"We have also revamped the website this year thanks to Adam and Emily in Wales at santasgarden.co.uk and our Facebook page Santa’s Garden to keep people informed with what’s going on."

Every night the lights will be switched on until Tuesday, December 27.

Donations can be left in collection buckets at both displays.

* Have you got an impressive Christmas lights display? Send pictures to cp@worcesternews, tweet @worcesternews or visit facebook.com/theworcesternews.