CADBURY has selected a south Essex family’s huge Christmas display to take centre stage in a social media advert for the re-release of a much-loved treat.

Jamie Bagge, 39, responded to Cadbury's appeal to find festive homes and the chocolate company sent a film crew to his dazzling property where they shot footage throughout the night. 

Now, the social media advert promoting the return of the much-loved Dairy Milk coins has been seen by thousands and thousands of people online. 

The “fantastic and memorable” event comes after he spotted a social media post that month saying the brand was hunting for people who decorate for Christmas early.
 

Echo: Owner - Jamie BaggeOwner - Jamie Bagge (Image: Jamie Bagge)

Jamie and his family go big on displays every year to raise money for charity.

He said: “It’s quite a nice thing hearing that our house was good enough to be in a Cadbury advert.

“I saw a social media post saying they were looking for people that decorate for Christmas early.

“In early October, I spoke to the production company, they asked for pictures, and I explained we do this to raise money for charity every year.

“Then, filming was on October 22, which was a brilliant experience.”

Echo: Dazzling - the Whitmore Avenue houseDazzling - the Whitmore Avenue house (Image: Jamie Bagge)

For nine years, the family who live in Whitmore Avenue, Grays, have brought the festive cheer to the street and is nicknamed “Whitmore Wonderland”.

The dad-of-four says it all started with a few lights and then it “grew”.

Each year, donation buckets are available for people to give to charities, such as Thurrock Mind and the Guide Dogs.

This year, money raised will be going to a cause close to their heart - Great Ormond Street Hospital.

In addition, a JustGiving crowdfunder has been set up, which has generated £645 out of their £1,400 target.

The Bagges have personally donated £1,000 already.

It comes after one of his children suddenly became unwell in January, spent a week at Basildon Hospital and was then transferred to the children’s hospital’s safari oncology ward.

The aim is to fund an Xbox Series S medical gaming cart from gaming charity the RockinR, “which costs about £2,400”.

Jamie said: “The service we got at Basildon Hospital and Great Ormond Street Hospital was second-to-none.

“At the children’s hospital, we were given a gaming cart to take the heart-wrenching situation off our minds, so it will be great to get them another one so more families can use them.

“A big thank you to everyone.”