THE FAMILY of Harley Barnes, who drowned in a tragedy in Gastard four years ago, have turned on their fifth set of commemorative Christmas lights in the village.

This year this display’s appeal has been broadened by inviting other people living locally who have lost loved ones to contribute. The display included a memory tree for people to add an ornament.

Harley’s grandparents Teresa and Darren Vaughan, from Thingley, helped organise the event at the Old Quarry, Velley Hill.

Grandmother Teresa said: “It went really well. Usually we just have family and friends but as it is the fifth year we wanted to make it that bit more special.

“We have said that it’s now a Memory Tree, for all lost loved ones. It worked well and a few people have added ornaments to it.

“The event has been really successful and keeps getting bigger which is so incredible. “I hope more and more people add to it for their loved ones.”

Four-year-old Harley, of Elm Grove, Corsham, drowned in a pond in July 2015 after wandering off from his mum to give hay to some horses.

Mrs Vaughan said: “It was in Harley’s memory but my daughter doesn’t want it to be known as that, we want to open it out to other families. So it’s now called the Gastard Christmas lights in memory of Harley Barnes.”

Over 300 people attended the event, with festive craft stalls in the village hall, a raffle with lots of donations, a snow machine, hog roast, horse trailer bar and Santa, which was supported by local businesses.

The successful evening raised £1,150 for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

“We don’t do this to make profit,” Mrs Vaughan said. “We do it for our beautiful grandson Harley and a lot of the community come to support us and everyone gets involved.

“The important thing for us is that we would like to thank the turnout and the amount we raised. This is the most we have ever raised, it was massive for us. Hopefully this event will carry on every year.

“I hope more people add an ornament to the tree throughout all of December. It’s not just for on the day.”

Harley’s parents Hannah Vaughan and Andrew Barnes chose the charity after the Wiltshire Air Ambulance was called out when their son was found in the pond. Sadly paramedics were unable to save his life.