A HAMPSHIRE grandfather has covered his house in thousands of Christmas lights in memory of his great granddaughter who passed away in September.

Ten-month-old Alesha Vincent spent her final months in the care at Naomi House and Jacksplace and passed away due to heart failure.

Now, her name is up in lights in Romsey as 70-year-old Mike Wood, Alesha's great grandfather, bids to raise money for the charity that cared for her.

Alesha's mother, Beckie Vincent, said the charity, who cares for children with life-limiting conditions, was full of 'amazing people'.

Beckie, 25, said: "We will always be forever thankful to Naomi House for their outstanding care and support.

"They are all amazing people making difficult times a little less painful.

"Alesha was the most beautiful little girl ever and so loved and we all miss her so much.

"Before she passed away, we had her transferred quickly from intensive care in Southampton to Naomi House and this year, my grandad has a collection bucket to raise donations in memory of her. I think there's more than £150 already, and we ask everyone who comes to see his house just to pop something in if they can."

Mike's house, on Hunters Crescent, Romsey, has more than 70 different sets of lights, with some as long as ten metres.

Mike said: "It has been extremely difficult this year to continue with decorating my house like every year due to the loss of my great granddaughter in September, but it is always a joy to see everyone's happy faces when they see the lights.

"For the first year ever I thought it would be nice to raise some money for Naomi House and I'd like to thank everyone for their generous donations."

The charity said they were grateful to Mike and the whole family for supporting the hospice at Christmas.

A spokesperson for Naomi House said: "We are always delighted when someone chooses Naomi House & Jacksplace, but especially so when that person knows firsthand the value of our work and is able to share that story with others.

"We are so grateful to Mike and the whole family for all they are doing to support their hospices their festive season, and urge the public to go and take a look as the display is nothing short of incredible."