A York family have put up their Christmas decorations early – so as to bring a smile to the face of a friend who is dying of terminal cancer.

Adam and Katy Emmott, who live in Clifton Moor, surprised Adam’s eight-year-old daughter Lilly last year with a pair of giant, blow-up Christmas decorations in front of their house - an eight foot gingerbread man and a five foot sausage dog.

But Lilly wasn’t the only one delighted with the display.

Adam and Katy’s friends Shane and Sarah ‘Boo’ Kelwick also loved the OTT decorations.

Sadly, this year Sarah is desperately ill with cancer.

Her doctors say she doesn’t have much longer to live.

Adam and Katy were on their honeymoon in Rome when they had a text from Shane, saying the one thing Sarah would really miss was being able to see their Christmas decorations again this year.

The Emmotts returned from their honeymoon on Thursday. And as soon as they got back, they rushed to put up and even bigger and better display.

It still features the sausage dog and gingerbread man from last year - but thuis time they've added an illuminated blow-up Santa, Christmas tree and snowman, too.

York Press:

Katy, Lilly and Adam Emmott with their Christmas decorations

Sarah is now back at home, receiving palliative care.

“Shane came round on Friday night to FaceTime her to show her so she wouldn’t miss out,” Katy said. “Seeing the joy on her face was just priceless.”

The Emmotts have now set up a Just Giving page to raise money for Cancer Research UK in Sarah’s name.

At time of writing, the total pledged already stood at more than £350.

“We just want everyone to enjoy the lights but also to spread the word so we can raise as much money as possible for Cancer research,” Katy said.

You can visit their JustGiving page here 

York Press:

The Emmott's blow-up sausage dog, Christmas tree ... and umbrella handles...