HAMPSHIRE'S festive fanatics are making sure this will be the brightest Christmas ever.

Our newsdesk has been flooded with calls from readers who reckon their home has the best display of Christmas lights in the county. We've had everything from fairy lights, snowmen, trees, reindeer and sleighs to a waving Father Christmas.

Southampton father-of-four Steve Spooner begins his preparations for lighting up his home in Walnut Avenue, Swaythling, three weeks before he switches all 3,000 lights on.

First he tests them, then it's a further three and a half days to put them up, but according to Steve, 37, it's all worth it just to see his children's faces light up.

Melissa, 12, Adam, ten, Ben, seven, and Jack, four, love the fact that passers-by stop and stare at their house.

Steve, a mature student, said: "To me the lights show the true spirit of Christmas. I first got the idea to do it four years ago when I went to America.

"The neighbours like it and lots of cars pull up to have a look."

Quite often neighbours knock on his door and ask to have a look round his garden and generous Steve is no Scrooge in sharing his illuminations with them.

"I like other people to enjoy them," said Steve. He added: "It costs me about £5 extra a week on the electricity bill but it's worth it."

Is your Christmas display better Let us know by ringing the Daily Echo newsdesk on 01703 424520.

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