One of Dorset’s most-loved actors will once again be switching on the Christmas lights of a festive Bridport home.

Doc Martin star Martin Clunes will be heading to 2 White Close in Bradpole to light up the home on Friday, December 1, at 6pm.

The owners of the house, Monica and Rob Teague, put on an illuminating display every year, in order to raise money for charity.

This year money raised will go to Julia’s House Children’s Hospice, of which Mr Clunes is a patron.

Mrs Teague said: “We started the display just for children to see, then we thought about having a big opening night and we just love when people come and see the lights.”

Sadly, this will be the last year that a big event is hosted to celebrate the light up of the house, however, the couple will continue to create the incredible displays.

Mrs Teague said: “We will still continue to do the lights and hopefully we will still get support.”

Every penny goes to the hospice as the couple have secured sponsorship from a number of local businesses, including Bridport Building Supply, which will be covering the energy costs.

Lat year’s event raised around £1,100 for Julia’s House and approximately 300 people attended the event.

A snow machine will transport visitors into a winter wonderland, whilst a miniature railway runs around the front lawn, and this year the displays will be expanding onto the neighbour’s garden.

Mrs Teague said: “The children love the snow, and the parents are just as silly as the children.”

Father Christmas will also be making a guest appearance on, December 15, 16, 22 and 23, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.

Children can visit Santa in his grotto and receive a wrapped present all free of charge, although a donation to the charity would be appreciated.

There will also be plenty of mince pies, sausage rolls and hot soup to go round.

Mr Teague makes a lot of the displays himself throughout the year and is already thinking about next year’s set up.

Mrs Teague explained that since they started doing the displays, a lot of neighbours have also got involved.

She said: “As you drive in, it looks fantastic – it’s still exciting.”

The lights will be switched on every night from December 1 to January 6, from 4.30pm to 10pm.

Parking for the event taking place at 2 White Close, DT63HL is limited.