A widow who traditionally lit up the streets with her late husband in a charity Christmas lights display raised over £400 continuing the fundraiser in his memory.

Warm-hearted couple Bernard and Elizabeth Wright always liked to brighten up their home in Edgehill Road, Skilling at Christmas time.

So many people took pleasure in it they thought they would do some good and fundraise for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

But Bernard passed away suddenly in October 2014 and, in a touching tribute, Elizabeth decided to carry on the popular display in his memory. She said: “The four grandchildren really wanted to put the lights up for their granddad. It’s what Bernard would have wanted.

“We’ve raised £470 in total, which is a record amount for the display.

“I’m overjoyed with how much we’ve raised – the whole family is.

“What an achievement. The display was so popular. The four grandchildren – Emily, Zakjohn, Serena and Timothy – are so happy and this time round they were able to look at the lights and remember Bernard.”

The light switch on took place on December 2, the same day as Elizabeth and Bernard’s 47th wedding anniversary.

Elizabeth added: “We chose to fundraise for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance because it is a vital and essential lifesaving charity and one that could mean the difference between life and death for so many people.

“The air ambulance was called out for Bernard in October. It couldn’t save him but with our help it will go on to save others lives.

“Lots of people questioned whether I would do the lights now that Bernard has gone, but I said that’s exactly what they were for this time round.”

Elizabeth is hoping to continue the Christmas lights display in future years. Elizabeth’s neighbours Derek Smith and Jackie Cook said they moved next door to the couple in December 2013 when the lights were already in their full splendour.

Jackie added: “We’re so proud of Elizabeth’s achievements to raise so much money with the display and we’re honoured to be her neighbours.

“This time round the big switch was made more meaningful as we sadly lost Bernard in October. His last journey was courtesy of the air ambulance service.”

Tracy Bartram, communications manager for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, said: “We’re thrilled to hear that Elizabeth’s light display at Christmas was a success and amazed at the amount of support and funds which were raised.

“Many people support the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance in so many different ways and for Elizabeth to continue supporting the charity at Christmas time in this way is even more special, especially as this year it was in memory of her husband Bernard.”