Festive joy on its way as family prepares to switch on thousands of Christmas lights at their Shevington home

For December 1 does not just mark the start of Advent in Shevington – it is also the day the Molyneux family famously switches on the Christmas lights adorning their home.

It has become an annual tradition for many in the area to head to Shevington Lane to see the thousands of twinkly lights turned on for the first time.

Paul Molyneux and his team of “elves” have spent weeks decorating the property with lights and displays in time for the festive season.

Crowds are expected to gather for the big lights switch-on at 5pm today.

Many people will then visit Shevington Lane in the coming weeks to see the spectacular display.

Paul and his wife Gill ask people who have enjoyed the display to make a donation for the Rainbow ward at Wigan Infirmary.

The fund-raiser, which is now in its ninth year, is the couple’s way of thanking the hospital for the care their three sons have received during stays there.

They have collected more than £25,000 for the hospital over the years.

Last Christmas proved to be a record-breaker, with £4,730 raised for the ward – the largest amount collected yet.

The money was used to buy a range of items needed by the ward, including buggies for parents with babies, a play kitchen, microwaves, radios, mugs and crockery, high chairs, computer games, books and lots of toys.