A COUPLE whose fantastic display of Christmas lights has raised thousands of pounds for charity are reluctantly pulling the plug on their festive illuminations.

Since 2009, Vic and Sheila Norman have been delighting people from all over Pembrokeshire and beyond with their stunning seasonal spectacular at their home in Kingsmoor Close, Kilgetty.

As well as giving pleasure to thousands of people, the lights fantastic have raised more than £12,750 for Pembrokeshire's hospice at home charity, Paul Sartori.

October 1 is traditionally the day that Vic, 76, and Sheila, 73, dust off the decorations and get to work to deck out their bungalow and garden in readiness for the December 1 switch-on.

But this year it will all be different as Vic's health problems have forced the couple to take life a bit easier.

"I had polio when I was a child, and although I've been lucky to have a fantastic working life as an electricity board linesman and a taxi driver, I'm now finding that toxins which have built up in my body have affected my balance and I would be no good up a ladder," he explained.

"We would just like to say thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years - it's been a pleasure to meet everyone and especially to see the children enjoying the lights."

However, the display's favourite features of the wildlife pond, the giant moose, the illuminated conservatory, the photo-booth and the all-important Nativity scene won't be finding a new home quite yet.

"I'm hoping that one day I will get better and can get up that ladder again," said Vic.

The Paul Sartori Foundation's charity manager, Sandra Dade, has said a special thank-you to Vic and Sheila for their fundraising.

She said: "For over 12 years, Vic and Sheila have given the local community a spectacular Christmas lights display in and around their own home.

"They have dedicated endless hours and gone to great lengths and expense to bring Christmas cheer to their local community and raise vital funds for the Paul Sartori Hospice at Home service.

"Vic and Sheila have become special friends to us all at the Foundation and although we will miss them (and their mince pies) terribly, we would like to thank them from the bottom of our hearts and wish them many relaxing Christmases from now on."