A STREET has put up its Christmas lights early to support nearby foodbanks over the Christmas period, amid concerns that vulnerable people will find the winter months even more difficult amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Cherie Jones, who lives on Maes Llyd in Llandudno, said she normally waits until December to adorn her house in Christmas-themed lights however this year she felt that doing it early would bring attention to her fundraiser.

The 30-year-old has collected a huge number of lights this year, including numerous Santas - on a bicycle, sleigh and next to a post box - as well icicles, boxes of presents and a penguin.

Because of concerns around the spread of coronavirus she lit up a trolley and put it outside her house where donations of food could be left for Hope Restored, which provides essential food and support to the homeless and people in need.

Mrs Jones’ first delivery saw a boot-full of non-perishable food items, as well as additional bags of pasta dropped off at the foodbank on Tuesday, November 24.

“While I normally put a few outside lights on it is nowhere near anything like this and not until December,” she said.

“This year has been absolutely awful with businesses closed, people in between jobs who didn’t qualify for furlough and parents who had to come out of work because they didn’t have childcare, but they have still got bills and kids.

“I have heard that parents are going to the foodbank and crying because they are embarrassed about having to ask for help.

“Everyone needs to come together and help each other as it can happen to anyone."

Her effort was lifted after six neighbours on her street decided to put up their Christmas lights early and raise awareness of her cause. And as her home, glowing in reds and whites, can be seen from the nearby primary school Ysgol Craig y Don, it is staging an own clothes day with food donations going to Mrs Jones.

“People have been coming to donate items in bulk, it has been amazing,” she said.

“We didn’t know who dropped them off so we put a ‘thank you’ message on it with chocolate and candy canes to take.

“It is nice to hear how excited children are when they are coming to the house with their parents to donate. It is giving people something to smile about.”

Brenda Fogg, co-ordinator of Hope Restored, said the donations have helped to prepare for its busiest months.

“This time with Christmas coming up it is nice to get donations ahead of the onslaught in December,” she said.

“Cherie's donations will go towards families, people on their own and people who are struggling because they do not have jobs anymore. Nobody knows if jobs are secure now so it is a case of making sure everybody has got food through to January and February.

“The donations have helped to stock up our shelves and we are very grateful.”