A FAMILY'S Christmas gift to charity was wrecked when their stunning display of lights and decorations was stolen and vandalised.

Caterers Kevin French, 40, and his fiancee Sarah Turner, 36, and Sarah's father Dick spent four days putting up the lights outside their house on Langdale Close, Locksbottom.

As a festive celebration they invited all the children in the family, including Sarah's daughters Lucy, 17, and Rachel, 13, and Kevin's son Harry, 16, and their friends to a Christmas lights turning on party.

Overwhelmed by the number of people admiring their handiwork and offering donations to charity, the couple decided to raise money for Harris HospisCare.

But on December 6 they found half the lights missing and remaining ones with cut wires, damage costing more than £500.

Two expensive flashing silhouettes were stolen from the front of the house and festive snowman and Father Christmas statues were snatched from their doorstep.

The thieves failed to make off with the heavy 6ft-illuminated Christmas tree, leaving it fallen in the front garden.

Mr French said: "We were horrified. We couldn't believe it. Sarah was distraught.

"They have not only been pinched but also damaged where they've cut wherever to grab them.

"It still looks nice but it's not a patch on what it was. It leaves a nasty taste in your mouth, especially around Christmas time. The local interest was amazing, so we said why not donate money to charity?

"We were going to put a sign and box outside the house but unfortunately they didn't even make it to the weekend."

Bromley Harris HospisCare fundraising director Lynn Guthrie said: "It would have been a lovely surprise and we are very grateful to them for thinking of us.

"Everybody's donation is worthwhile. We have to raise £3,500 each day and their kind donation would have contributed to our costs.

"We are upset people can do such a mean-minded thing, especially at this time of year."