A spectacularly decorated home in Market Weighton has been crowned the national champion of a major Christmas lights competition, bringing festive joy and vital funds for charity.
A Dazzling Display That Captured the Nation
Sheila Turner's house on Shipman Road has been named the winner of the UK-wide "Light Up Your House" contest, organised by the family-owned British Garden Centres group. Sheila entered the competition through Langlands Garden Centre in nearby Shiptonthorpe.
Throughout December, her property has become a must-visit attraction for the local community. The roof and porch are outlined with multicoloured icicle lights and glowing stars, while warm white cascades bathe the front of the house in a seasonal radiance.
A Winter Wonderland Garden
The festive magic extends into the front garden, which has been transformed into an enchanting scene. A bare tree is adorned with hundreds of sparkling baubles and delicate fairy lights. Below its branches, a cheerful gathering of illuminated snowmen, Santa, polar bears, candy canes and glowing presents completes the picture.
Judges from British Garden Centres were blown away by the meticulous attention to detail in Sheila's creation. They also praised how the display has become a focal point, bringing neighbours and passers-by together in celebration.
Lights With a Lasting Legacy: Fundraising for Macmillan
The roots of this dazzling display are deeply personal. Sheila first began decorating her home in 2015 as a way to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support, following the loss of her husband to a brain tumour.
"In the first year, we raised just £30, but every little helps," Sheila explained. "For the last three years, we've raised almost exactly £400 each year, which is amazing for just a local house on a local street."
She expressed immense gratitude for the support from the community, including local businesses and neighbours who have donated. She also cherishes a handmade medal given to her two years ago by a local boy for the 'Best Decorated House in Weighton'.
Lucy Hewitt, Marketing Campaigns Manager at British Garden Centres, said: "Sheila's home really captures the magic of Christmas. It has become a real talking point in Shiptonthorpe and shows how one house can light up an entire community."
"What we love most is the care and effort that has gone into every part of the display, which creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere for anyone passing by," Hewitt added.
As the national winner, Sheila receives a collection of British Garden Centres' own Fern Christmas decorations. This prize will help her maintain and refresh the display for years to come.
"This prize is truly on another level," Sheila stated. "It will allow us to keep raising money for years to come, whilst keeping the display fresh over and over."
She concluded: "This prize will help us make a difference to as many families dealing with cancer as possible. We are beyond ecstatic to win."
