One Bradford family is hoping to bring a little Christmas cheer to their street and raise money for cancer research at the same time.

Every year Joanne and Phillip Royle, and Joanne's son 11-year-old Christian Raftery, of Westminster Terrace, Otley Road, go the extra mile to make sure they enjoy a special festive season.

They deck their house from top to bottom with lights, tinsel, snowmen and Father Christmas. Last year children at St Augustine's Primary School in Otley Road even made a special trip to see the decorations.

This year it is hoped they will do the same and if they and other visitors each give a 10p donation Joanne hopes to raise money for the Telegraph & Argus Bradford Can...Cancer Research Appeal. The appeal aims to raise £1m for cancer research in Bradford at the Cancer Research Unit and also towards clinical trials at Bradford Royal Infirmary. The Cancer Research Campaign will top this up with an extra £5m.

Joanne said: "We decorate the house from top to bottom every year but this year we chose to raise money for cancer research because my son's step-mother has cancer and she is only 28."

Christian has already raised hundreds of pounds for cancer research by doing a sponsored swim and collections, and now he hopes to rake in even more money.

"Knowing someone who has cancer really opens your eyes and makes you want to do something," said Joanne.

"We are all close as Christian's parents and I think that is why we have decided to do something to help. It has been hard for someone as young as Christian to cope with and it has been a lot for him to take on board."

His step mum Michelle Raftery, 28, of Baildon, pictured with Joanne Royle, found out in March she has breast cancer. "I found a lump and had it taken out and it came back that I had cancer," she said.

Under the care of Dr Chris Bradley on ward 15 at Bradford Royal Infirmary, Michelle has undergone chemotherapy and she has also had radiotherapy.

"It was bearable and the outcome justified the means," she said. "I am still here to tell the tale. I have had down days but with the help of my family I am getting through it."

Michelle urged people to contribute what they could as donations of pounds or pennies all helped to make a difference.

"I thought cancer was cancer but I have discovered there are so many different types. That is why I am backing Bradford Can..." she said.

The house will be decked in lights from December 1.