BYRON ROAD, NEW MILTON, HAMPSHIRE

RETIRED builder Ged Hollyoake’s face lights up at the thought of Christmas — and every December his road does the same. For, 13 years ago, he put ‘a couple of strings’ of lights up outside his home, then neighbours began to join in. So started a jolly tradition where most the homes are festooned with festivity. Over the years they have raised around £50,000 for charity in donations from the thousands of visitors that flock to see them. Mr Hollyoake, 70, who lives with his partner, Sue Burley, said: ‘I love to see the visitors’ faces — everyone loves it.’

So glowing is the display’s reputation that it once featured in a Cadbury’s internet advert (the £2,500 Mr Hollyoake received was donated to charity). The lights stay on until 11pm up to January 2. This year, the street is collecting for the Fortune Centre Of Riding Therapy and Community First Responders.