Ten years ago a group of neighbours decided to switch on the lights decorating their homes for the festive season at the same time. They were surprised when a large group of friends and family came to see the display being switched on.

However, from that small beginning, the annual Gresleys Light Switch-on has grown, and has become a major fundraising event in the Ross-on-Wye calendar.

To mark the tenth anniversary of the Gresleys Christmas Lights, which are being switched on this year on Sunday, December 4th, the residents are raising funds for ten local charities. These include Ross Action Group, Hope Support Services, Jumpstart Kidz and each one has a connection to the residents.

Nearly every house in the street will be festooned with lights and decorations, and there will be plenty of stalls selling gifts, food and drink and a tombola. The street will be closed from 5.30pm until 7.30pm, with the lights being turned on at 6pm. This will be followed by a short display of fireworks.

Mr Allen, one of the residents, told the Ross Gazette: “We are hoping for good weather but over the past ten years we have dealt with every kind of condition.”

People come from far and wide to be at the switch on event but many also travel to the town to see the lights in the run-up to the big day.