FISHERMAN Steve Lilley from Weymouth is hoping to net some new lights to help boost his annual Christmas illuminations in aid of sick children.

Mr Lilley, wife Jayne and their family light up their home on Dorchester Road in Weymouth to raise cash for the Claire Lemmon Fund.

But his festive decorations - including reindeer, snowmen and Santa Claus - were badly hit by gales and bad weather last year.

The family is appealing for help to make this year's show the best ever to help the charity, which arranges carefree trips for children with cancer and leukaemia.

Mr Lilley, who runs a fishing boat out of Weymouth harbour, said: "We've been lighting up the house for four years now.

"The last three have been for the Claire Lemmon Fund. Some lights have worn out or were damaged last year in the high winds and need replacing.

"We want to make this year's illuminations the best yet and hope to get lots more on the roof. We're appealing for anyone who can donate lights or give financial help to get in touch."

He added: "You can get decent lights in America and it would be great if anyone who is going across could bring some back.

"We would give them the money to take with them. You can get the lights quite easily across there."

Wellwishers gave money when the Lilley family and supporters stopped cars for donations outside their home last year with money going towards the fund's trip to Disneyland Paris.

The fund is also contributing towards the cost of extra lights for the house, near Wey Valley School, but most of its money goes on trips for youngsters.

Recently it took children, their families and supporters on a weekend to the Alton Towers theme park. Its next trip is to the pantomime in Southampton on December 16.

Volunteers from the fund's committee will also be out manning tombola stalls on Weymouth Shownight on November 29 to raise money for the trip.

Anyone who can offer Christmas lights, donations or bring illuminations back from America is urged to call Mr Lilley on (01305) 812535.