A MYSTERY donation of £1,000 has got the annual unofficial Mirfield lights appeal off to a cracking start.

This is the third year three families in Robin Royd Avenue have festively festooned their homes with dazzling Christmas lights.

The anonymous donation was given to organiser Derek Highe last week.

Last year the families raised a whopping £3,000 and delighted hundreds.

Derek, 47, and his neighbours spent four weekends decorating their homes.

He said: "The donation is a great start.

"Everyone loves the lights and the fact we have raised so much for charity in the past makes it worthwhile.

"It is great to see people coming from all across the area to see the lights. They really have become a favourite for a lot of people.

"The best thing is when the kids come. To see their faces is just wonderful."

Neighbour Margaret Swales said: "Each of the three families has sadly been touched by serious illness this year so that makes it all the more special we are doing this for charity."

And already Derek, neighbours Margaret and Bob Swales and David and Tracy Green are planning next year.

"It cannot get much bigger but we can make it even better," said Derek.

"Last year we had one letter from somebody saying they thought it was tacky.

"But from the response we have got, not just this year but every year, it is clear the vast majority of people love it.

"It will go on and on as far as I am concerned."

The lights are switched on daily at about 4pm and donations can be pushed through Derek's letterbox at 23 Robin Royd Avenue.