Portchester couple's stunning Christmas lights display raises £3,500 for struggling families using the food pantry

Bill and Barbara Wright have decorated their house and garden in The Crossway, Portchester, every December for the past 10 years to raise money for charity.

This year, after reading about how many families rely on food banks in the area, the couple put on an extra special display in aid of Portchester Methodist Church’s food pantry.

The community got behind the campaign and donated just under £3,500 after seeing the colourful display on the Wrights’ front lawn.

Bill, 78, said: ‘It has been a great success. We’re very pleased about it. We had lots of people down which is what it’s all about.

‘The support I have had from the whole village has been absolutely mammoth. We have gone down to the food bank about once a week and found out how it’s getting on down there.’

Having previously raised funds for a variety of charities, the couple have decided to keep supporting the food pantry because there is such a great need for it.

The pair handed over a cheque with the funds raised to Julie Elston Sexton, who volunteers for the food pantry.

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Julie said: ‘What they have done is just fantastic. We’re going to buy and give vouchers from local shops in Portchester like the veg shop, butchers and bakery.

‘Then the families will be shopping in Portchester and also they won’t have to go out as much because they can bulk buy.’

The food pantry is open on weekdays from 11am to midday. Donations are welcome, and particular needs include toilet rolls and meat.

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