ANYONE turning into Mitchell Avenue from Dilly Lane in Hartley Wintney will be met with quite a sight - a garden taken over by three giant snowmen.

The colourful masterpiece is the work of 14-year-old Mark Male, who nominated himself for the competition after brightening up the house where he lives with his parents.

Mark, a pupil at Robert May's School in Odiham, said: "I put the lights up because I like Christmas and get a lot of satisfaction from doing it. I enjoy people coming here from around the neighbourhood to have a look."

The house has been decked inside and out with a multitude of lights expertly placed by Mark, who has taken on the challenge for three years running, and hopes he has a good chance of winning this year's competition.

He said: "Someone came past the house the other week with a little boy, who said to his mum, 'I think I'd give that 10 out of 10 mum'. I felt very happy when I heard that."

Mark's grandmother is chuffed with all the hard work her grandson has put into the decorations, and enjoys seeing them when she comes to visit.

Rosemary Male, 60, said: "He's done it all himself and everything is his design.

"I think it's wonderful. We've had loads of people pull up, have a look, and say 'oh, what a lovely show'.

"I think it's just about the best around here - he's done a brilliant job."

There is also another festive show guaranteed to capture the imagination of people who pass a bungalow in Pack Lane, Basingstoke.

Nominated by his wife Olive for the competition, George Gardiner has decorated his home to please his grandchildren and local youngsters living nearby.

The retired 71-year-old said: "My grandchildren love the lights and all the different colours.

"A lot of children come along the street and it's nice to see them looking at the decorations."

Despite having had a quadruple heart bypass, Mr Gardiner has been adding some Christmas cheer to the locality by decorating his home with lights for the past five years.

He joked: "The neighbours enjoy the lights too - but they won't help pay the electricity bill!"

With the competition now closed, the winner of the £100 cash prize for the Most Festive House 2004 will be announced in this Friday's Christmas edition of The Gazette.

The lucky winner will be able to donate the money to a charity of their choice and will also receive a certificate, officially recognising their house as the best-dressed festive property in the area for 2004.

The runner-up will be given £50 for a charity of their choice.