A FAMILY in Marlow Bottom who decorate their home in lights for charity have defied vandals who threatened to end their Christmas tradition.

Tony and Jancis Shepherd, of Hill Farm Road, have raised thousands of pounds in donations for the South Bucks Hospice since 2000 by putting on a grand display at their home in December. But it was uncertain whether the money-raising scheme would continue after vandals ripped the lights off their gates and hedge last year. However, the lights went up as usual on December 1 and Mrs Shepherd hopes they will stay there until January 1. She said: "We just felt we couldn't let the hospice down, otherwise the vandals have won."

The 47-year-old midwifery lecturer said they had taken measures to deter future acts of vandalism and catch the culprits, but the experience still upsets their eight-year-old daughter Imogen. She said: "Imogen told me she loved the Christmas lights, which began when her nanny died, but she was worried the burglars would come back."

The family say they won't be beaten and not only replaced the damaged lights but also invested in new ones, including a reindeer on the front lawn, and a Christmas tree made up from 1,000 bulbs.

Mrs Shepherd said: "We have had so many disasters this year, with the Tsunami and the flooding in New Orleans, then the earthquakes. People have already given so much to charity, we just want to make sure local charities don't miss out and would be grateful for any donations at all."

To make a donation contact 01494 464045 or drop cash or cheques made payable to the hospice through the Shepherd's letter box