Ref. 27779-06A SANTA'S grotto with a difference has been lit up in Cricklade to raise money for charity.

Every year, Vivian and Sandy Wilks transform their home and garden into a magical winter wonderland.

But this year they have taken an extra security measure to protect the thousands of Christmas decorations which adorn their garden.

Retired painter and decorator Mr Wilks has fitted a two-way security camera and speaker into the garden so the couple will be able to spot any potential thieves.

They have a small monitor sitting next to their television in the front room. If they see anyone behaving suspiciously around their Yuletide extravaganza, they will be able to shout at them via a microphone.

"If I see anyone out there I will probably tell them to get off my land," said Mrs Wilks, 50. Last year the couple had problems with youths taking lights out of their garden. Now the troublemakers can be caught on camera.

It takes the couple three weeks to decorate their home in Fullers Avenue.

Decorations include thousands of lights which illuminate Santas, a giant sleigh and a multitude of little helpers.

But it's all for a worthwhile cause because it helps them raise hundreds of pounds for the Prospect Hospice in Wroughton.

Mr Wilks, 73, said: "I wasn't sure whether we would do it again this year, but everybody kept asking me when I was putting the lights up."

The couple have a collection chute attached to a giant Santa's head and also do door-to-door collections. Last year they raised £760.

They don't just collect from Cricklade. From Monday December 1 onwards they will be knocking on doors in Highworth, South Cerney, Blunsdon, Ashton Keynes, Purton, Down Ampney and Wootton Bassett.

They will have speakers on their car playing Christmas carols and Mr Wilks will be dressed up as Father Christmas.

"People love to see us," he said. "They come out and dance in the streets."