HOMES in Sharpness and Berkeley are lighting up this Christmas in memory of a much loved family man.

In a poignant tribute to Gerry Bidder, families have turned the two communities into real-life Advent calendars by unveiling giant festive displays in their windows.

Forty-eight window displays are being lit up throughout December at different houses, one in Sharpness and one in Berkeley each evening, with money raised going to children’s bereavement charity Winston’s Wish.

It is the third year that the nativity windows event has taken place.

Sharpness grandmother Gail Bidder had the idea.

She wanted a way of getting through Christmas after the death of her husband, Gerry, in 2017.

“Two years ago, we lost Gerry,” she said. “He took his own life.”

Gail says Gerry was a wonderful person, but he found it hard to recognise this.

“It’s very sad when people think they’re not a success,” she added.

“They forget they’re so successful at other things, like being a fantastic husband, dad and grandad, and a friend and confidant to lots of people.

“They don’t recognise the positive effect they’ve had on other people.”

Gail and her good friend Christy Harvey organised the event and Gail said she feels really touched by the community’s support for the project.

“I am so humbled by everyone’s enthusiasm and loyalty to us as a family and how we all come together for a good cause.”

Last year’s Advent windows raised over £3,000 for Winston’s Wish, and Gail hopes to raise more this year.

Winston’s Wish offers a wide range of practical support and guidance to bereaved children and their families.

“It’s a fantastic charity and they’ve been a big support to me and my family,” said Gail.

To donate visit: justgiving.com/fundraising/gail-bidder3

Every evening throughout Advent, one house lights up in Berkeley at 6pm, and then another in Sharpness at 6.30pm.

For details of which houses will be lighting up and when, see the Sharpness and Berkeley nativity windows Facebook page.