Stevenage’s favourite family lights display has returned this Christmas, with thousands dropping-by for a draught of festive spirit.

The Comet: Freda Marsh has been raising money by decorating her family home in Leaves Spring since 2011. Picture: Freda MarshFreda Marsh has been raising money by decorating her family home in Leaves Spring since 2011. Picture: Freda Marsh (Image: Archant)

Every year since 2011, Freda Marsh and her uncle have decorated their family home in Leaves Spring with an impressive Christmas lights display in aid of a chosen charity. This year, over £1,000 has been raised for Autistica - a UK-based charity pioneering medical research in autism.

On Sunday, the house received a special visit from Santa himself - otherwise known as Freda's granddad - who handed out small gifts to youngsters.

The Comet: Freda and her family outside their festive Leaves Spring home. Picture: Freda MarshFreda and her family outside their festive Leaves Spring home. Picture: Freda Marsh (Image: Archant)

The Stevenage modified car community also dropped by to show their support, driving past Leaves Spring with modified cars decked in Christmas lights. Freda, 24, said: "This year really is the biggest and best year yet. Over 200 people came to the switch-on alone, and this year's charity - Autistica - is a real personal one for us.

"My eldest son Sydney is being tested for autism at the moment, and we have had quite a few family members affected by the condition. We really appreciate any donations."

The Comet: Freda Marsh has been raising money by decorating her family home in Leaves Spring since 2011. Picture: Freda MarshFreda Marsh has been raising money by decorating her family home in Leaves Spring since 2011. Picture: Freda Marsh (Image: Archant)

The Marsh family first decorated their family home 21 years ago, and have been collecting for charity since 2011. Visit Freda's justgiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/leavesspringlights2019 to make a donation.

The Comet: Freda Marsh has been raising money by decorating her family home in Leaves Spring since 2011. Picture: Freda MarshFreda Marsh has been raising money by decorating her family home in Leaves Spring since 2011. Picture: Freda Marsh (Image: Archant)

The Comet: Freda Marsh has been raising money by decorating her family home in Leaves Spring since 2011. Picture: Freda MarshFreda Marsh has been raising money by decorating her family home in Leaves Spring since 2011. Picture: Freda Marsh (Image: Archant)

The Comet: Freda Marsh has been raising money by decorating her family home in Leaves Spring since 2011. Picture: Freda MarshFreda Marsh has been raising money by decorating her family home in Leaves Spring since 2011. Picture: Freda Marsh (Image: Archant)

The Comet: Freda Marsh has been raising money by decorating her family home in Leaves Spring since 2011. Picture: Freda MarshFreda Marsh has been raising money by decorating her family home in Leaves Spring since 2011. Picture: Freda Marsh (Image: Archant)