WESTFIELD VILLAGE, HASTINGS, EAST SUSSEX

Neighbours and visitors who walk along the houses in this street are bathed in the glow of multicoloured lights, candy canes, santas, elves and bright Christmas trees.

Around 30 houses now take part in a tradition which started in 1976, but started to truly gather momentum in the Christmas of 1999, amid the excitement of the new millenium.

There are some 200,000 bulbs, forming miles of lights on the street, which attracts up to 10,000 visitors who flock to the village with their children.

organisers have supported their local hospice, st Michael’s, for 12 years — raising £11,500 last year alone.

brenda Munday, 86, and her husband Ken, 87, inspired the street by tying up a single string of lights to complement the community Christmas tree.

‘From a single string of lights we now have all sorts of attractions — we even have a train that people can sit in,’ Mrs Munday says.

‘it used to cost a fortune in electricity bills but thankfully all our displays are low-cost LeD lights now.’

For neighbour roz Kennett, 50, the display is a part of village life.

‘it’s a way of bonding and campaigning for a common cause. it just wouldn’t be the same without the Christmas lights,’ she says.

‘it’s a big undertaking. ours is the biggest display but all of them are excellent and we’re really proud to be involved with the village this way.’