Christmas lights shine through darkness to brighten city - and raise funds for charity

As the dark days close in one couple decided it was time to brighten up people’s lives.

Dermot Bradley (34) and his partner Gary Bailie (28) have festooned their home in the Waterside area of Foyle with thousands of lights to brighten up these dark days - and it is proving a big hit.

The decorations went up last week - in a bid to raise funds for Foyle Search and Rescue.

“Thank you so much everyone for the amazing turnout tonight and for obeying the social distance guidelines,” said a post after the opening night.

“We cannot stress it enough to please stay in your cars and keep your distance and only get out with a face mask/covering to make a donation if you’d like to help this amazing charity.”

The post adds: “Police are patrolling the area and are happy with how things where managed tonight and no fines have been handed out to anyone or ourselves.

“We would like to thank you all once again for all the amazing donations towards Foyle Search And Rescue. Stay safe everyone.”

Another post on the page - Ocean Glow Derry - guides wellwishers to a funding site for Foyle Search and Rescue.