FRIENDS, family and neighbours gathered in a Caerleon garden to join some larger than life Christmas characters last night in aid of children’s charity Noah’s Ark, which raises funds for the Children’s Hospital for Wales.

Helen Bishop and her family have had the Christmas inflatables for years but only recently decided to use them for fundraising. Ten large inflatables fill the garden in East Lynne Gardens, along with a shed which has been transformed into a grotto.

“This year we have also got a snow machine,” said Mrs Bishop, a St Woolos Primary School teacher.

Last year the family raised more then £2,000 for charity.

“We’ve already raised about £350, but we’re hoping to get a lot more tonight,” she said yesterday. Her son Joe, 14, and daughter Cerys, eight, helped out with the event.

To donate to Noah’s Ark and to support Helen, go to www.justgiving.com/helen-bishop4