FESTIVE fever has taken Bromley by storm with residents putting up lights to celebrate the coming of another fun-filled festival. Reporter CHRIS STEEL spoke to some people who are not only illuminating their neighbourhoods, but also raising money for good cause

RESIDENTS of a Beckenham street are having their lives lit up by a Christmas-loving couple keen to raise cash for charity.

Leslie and Jean Cloud put on an extraordinary display of festive illuminations every year at their Lennard Road home to raise funds for leukaemia research.

Last year they raised more than £4,000 and are hoping to raise even more this year as people flock to see the spectacular lights and throw cash in a bucket at their front gate.

They have raised £13,642 for the Elimination of Leukaemia Fund (ELF) since they began the fundraising five years ago.

Jean, 70, said: "I've got no idea how many lights we've got altogether, or how much they all cost, it's just a pleasure to see so many people come and give money.

"The only bad thing is taking all the decorations down again we wish we could leave them up all year."

Mr Cloud, 76, is helped by his sons to get all the lights and displays into place, which are then given the seal of approval by the Cloud's nine grandchildren.

And a St Paul's Cray family is also urging people who admire their illuminations to donate to charity. The Sterry family are appealing for people who like their display in Thorndon Road to also donate to the ELF.

Albert Sterry, 35, said: "It all began as something to entertain the kids."

With more than 45,000 lights lighting up the night sky, a Bromley family is also entering into the festive fun.

Hayes Lane resident Terry Harris says it takes six people up to six days to get the decorations together.

The 51-year-old said: "We've been doing it for 19 years now. We raise money for different causes every year. This year we're looking to give to children's charities."

To donate to the ELF, call 020 8778 5353.

December 10, 2001 12:55