Worth pawsing to look at lights (From Gazette Series)

Worth pawsing to look at lights

A COUPLE in Berkeley will be lighting up the night sky in the run-up to Christmas to raise money for charity.

Stan and Margaret Fryer's big switch-on has become a regular event in the town's festive calendar since the pair started decorating their home in aid of charity 12 years ago.

Mrs Fryer explained that their Bevans Hill home is a real crowd-puller from the time the 12,000 lights are switched on.

"We started lighting up the house years ago," she said. "Someone suggested we tried to raise money for charity. It has been really popular ever since."

The Fryers have been decorating their home for the past six weeks and Mrs Fryer said no area has gone undecorated - "We have a bungalow and we have lights all over the roof and into the garden."

Someone who has benefited from the work of this year's chosen charity - Dogs for the Disabled - will perform tonight's switch-on.

Louise Jefferies, of Stroud, will do the honours with her dog, Dotty.

Last year the Fryers raised £1,260 for Listening Dogs for the Deaf and the year before £1,200 for Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Mrs Fryer admiktted the electricity bill for the household does increase at this time of year.

"But it is well worth it for charity," she added. "It is a major thing for the town and everyone loves it."

The lights at 1 Bevans Hill, Lynch Road, will be switched on at 5pm.