The latest instalment of a popular Christmas lights display has raised more than £200 towards a new flag representing East Morton.

John Crowther, who has lived in the village for 19 years, has draped the lights on the outside of his Green End Road home for the last six years. Each year people who have enjoyed the display have donated money in return, which is then spent on a good cause.

Mr Crowther, 68, who previously worked as a farmer, then as a pub under-manager, said he came up with the idea for an East Morton flag because he wanted to contribute something long-lasting for the village.

“If we spend the money on flowers they’ll be dead in a few months, and there’s already enough planters in East Morton,” he said.

“I have a rough idea of the flag design worked out. There would be a circle in the middle where the village society and institute would be portrayed because they are at the centre of village life.

“Then there would be spokes leading outwards, with each slice taken up by one of the different local groups in the village. I’m looking for a company which would manufacture the flag.”

He said that once it is complete the flag should be displayed on the village green.

The lights festooned around his house for this Christmas were switched on during an event on December 1, which was attended by 200 people.

Commenting late last week he said the 2013/14 display had already attracted £215 in donations. “I’m already about £110 up on the same time last year,” he said.