A huge cheering crowd helped Kilgetty's 'Mr. Christmas' in a countdown to the grand switch-on of his festive lights extravaganza on Saturday night. Since the beginning of October, Peter Thomas has been busy decking out his home and garden at 1 St. Mary's Place with hundreds of fairylights and seasonal decorations. And the well-wishers who turned out for the lighting-up ceremony were not disappointed, for Peter and his wife Audrey have come up trumps with yet another dazzling Yuletide show. There are more lights than ever this year, with Peter and Audrey making this year's display one to remember, as it will be the last Christmas their house will be decked out in all its glory, for Peter has decided to retire. "We had a truly wonderful night," said Peter afterwards. "The crowd were absolutely fantastic, we really couldn't fault them, and thankfully, the weather was kind too." The crowd showed their appreciation by donating a staggering £722.80 in the collection box, more than £400 than on the opening night last year. Donations this year will be shared between the Chemotherapy Day Unit at Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest - a cause particularly close to the hearts of the community, as not only has Audrey and Peter's daughter Donna Longhurst been treated at the ward, but also a number of other Kilgetty residents - as well as the Paul Sartori Foundation, which was the first charity supported in 2000. "There was £279.40 in the collection box on Sunday evening, so to raise over £1,000 in two nights is absolutely marvellous," said Peter. "We usually hope to raise £1,000 in a week." "People's generosity has been tremendous; we can't thank them enough," added Peter, who was also pleased on Sunday to welcome a coach party of visitors from Norfolk who are holidaying locally. The money raised is also being swelled by a raffle at the nearby Kilgetty Fish Bar, which is giving all proceeds to Peter's charities. Father Christmas also dropped in to join in the celebrations on Saturday night, and delighted in meeting all his young friends, as well as handing out sweets, donated by Bumper to Bumper. As well as Audrey and Peter's home, some of their neighbours have also decorated their houses to add to the festive fun. Thanks to sponsorship from K. P. Thomas, children will also be able to post their letters to Father Christmas in a special box, and will once again receive a personalised reply. Over 200 letters were posted on Saturday, with a further 50 on Sunday. Sadly, some did not have the children's full names and addresses on, so please don't forget to put full details, so Santa and his helper Donna will know where to find you. By special request, Father Christmas will be making a return visit to St. Mary's Place on Saturday, December 16, and will again be handing out sweets, courtesy of Bumper to Bumper.