A MOTHER who raises vital funds by lighting up the street with a magnificent display of Christmas lights is determined to beat last year's amount.

Kay Seymour, whose son Dan was born with a heart condition called congenital heart disease, had his first operation when he was just six years old.

Mr Seymour, now 20, needed emergency heart surgery last year, and the only place available was the Wessex Cardiac Centre.

Kay struggled to find somewhere to stay at such short notice, until she discovered Heartbeat House, a refuge for relatives when loved ones are going through surgery.

As a show of good will, Kay decided to decorate her home in Hugh Fraser Drive with a stunning display of lights, and invited family, friends and neighbours to celebrate, raising £360 for Heartbeat House.

This year, the Seymours have added even more lights to their display, and are hoping to top last year's fundraising efforts.

The lights were switched on last Wednesday December 2, and are available for residents to view.

Neighbours can donate to the cause by adding to the collection box outside the Tilehurst home.

Can you beat this effort? Send in your Christmas light pictures to news@readingchronicle.co.uk for a chance to feature in our weekly edition.