A 12-meter-high Christmas tree in a couple's front garden has become the beacon of the neighbourhood with its 5,000 lights.

Fifteen years ago, when Stephen and Dawn Shaw planted the impressive tree next to their house in Pangbourne Close, it was only about a meter high.

Today, it's so tall that it towers over the neighbourhood.

And during the festive season, when the Shaws decorate it with lights and baubles, it brightens up the entire street.

Daily Echo: The couple had to get the help of a local cherry picker to get the lights upThe couple had to get the help of a local cherry picker to get the lights up (Image: Submitted)

Stephen, 66, said: “We never thought that the tree would grow to such a size when we planted it.

“People stop and pull over as they drive past just to have a look – it's brilliant. People have told us that it is beautiful and puts a smile on their face.

“The neighbours have said to us 'when are you putting up the lights and when will the tree be lit?'. I’m so glad that people look forward to seeing the tree.

Daily Echo: This is the tree as it looked after snow fall in 2010 compared to now in December 2023This is the tree as it looked after snow fall in 2010 compared to now in December 2023 (Image: Submitted)“We had to recruit the help of a local cherry picker from Sunbelt Rentals just to get the lights and star to the top.”

The couple said that this year, the tree had grown so much that their ordinary set of 3,000 LED lights didn’t even stretch around half of it - and had to buy an extra 2,000 lights.

Daily Echo: Stephen Shaw decorating the treeStephen Shaw decorating the tree (Image: Submitted)

On December 10, the Salvation Army band, of which Stephen is a member, played for Sholing residents around the large Christmas tree which Stephen said “went down a treat”.

Stephen has been playing the cornet in the band for more than 50 years, starting as a young boy at just seven years old.

He said: “It was a great opportunity to play for the people of Sholing. Last week we were playing in Oxford Street and tomorrow we will be playing outside Tesco in Bursledon.

Daily Echo: The Salvation Army band played for the Sholing residentsThe Salvation Army band played for the Sholing residents (Image: Submitted)

“We believe this is the last year we will be able to light up the tree. It is so big we will just be unable to manage.

“It currently grows at a rate of more than a meter and a half every year.

“Any Southampton business that may want a huge real tree for this year or next please do get in touch.”