Lighting up for Biala

THE residents of Sanctuary Village are lighting up to help Ballina's Biala Support Services.

President of the village's social club John Moloney said the light-up began more than 10 years ago but more recently the residents have used the event to raise money for local charities.

"Sanctuary Village is a manufactured home park in Ross Ln at Lennox Head and its residents are mainly pensioners and retirees," John said.

"We have raised thousands of dollars over the years."

Each year they select a charity to support with their Christmas lights display.

They have supported Ballina hospital, Lennox Head Rural Fire Service, Lennox Head Nippers and Our House.

"Despite Ballina council's withdrawal of support for Christmas light-up and soaring electricity charges, the villagers have battled on and compensated by renewing their old lights with LED and solar-powered lights," John said.

The houses will be lit up from now until January 1. Santa will be in attendance every night until Christmas Eve from 7.45-9.30pm.