NEIGHBOURS have joined forces in a bid to make their 2004 Christ-mas display doubly spectacular.

Two homes in Underwood Road, Bishopstoke, have transformed the street into a major Advent attraction, thanks to the hard work of two couples - the Sefton-Smiths and the Herberts.

Now they could be in line for a £300 top prize in the Daily Echo and Haskins' Festive Homes competition.

Each couple splashes out up to £300 each year on buying new decorations for their winter wonderland.

It takes them ten minutes each evening to switch on all the lights in the stunning display, because the lights on each home have to be carefully co-ordinated.

Both couples are expecting their electricity bills to soar this winter.

Housewife Sue Sefton-Smith, 41, said: "It takes us about a day and a half to put all the decorations up, and both couples do it at the same time.

"There are a lot of old people living here who always come and ask us when it's going up, and they take trips to see us. We also have schoolchildren passing to go to Stoke Park infant and junior schools - and they love it."

The joint effort started when Mandy Herbert, 30, and husband Glen, 37, moved to the street a few years ago.

Sue and husband Brian, 29, had been putting up their decorations for years - and their enthusiasm soon rubbed off on the new neighbours.

The foursome have a chance to scoop £300 of vouchers to spend in Haskins, West End, as part of the Daily Echo-backed competition.

There are also two runners-up prizes of £50 up for grabs.

Just let us know about the most fantastic home in your area, we will photograph a selection of nominations and bring you the best before revealing the winner.