RUNTON ROAD, POOLE, DORSET

It all started as a bit of friendly rivalry between two neighbours, but 25 years later almost all 50 houses in this culde-sac are lit up with flashing bulbs, singing Santas, giant inflatable snowmen and model reindeers, sleighs and trains.

the dazzling display can be seen from half a mile away and the electricity board admits the local grid ‘takes a bit of a hit’ when it is turned on.

the cost of the display adds roughly £50 on to each household’s electricity bill — although it might be a small price to pay for the honour of attracting 400 visitors from all over the country for the switchon, who dig deep for charity.

taxi driver Mick Phillips, 63, who coordinates the display, says: ‘When people pull in to Bournemouth train station en route to Runton Road they ask to go to Christmas Street! Every year the event just seems to snowball.’

John tuvey, 60, who lives at number 49, has always taken part. ‘I reckon I’ve probably got eight to ten sets of lights on my house, which is probably somewhere in the region of 10,000 bulbs,’ he says.

His neighbour, Robert Crowe, 76, says: ‘If you could see the little kids’ faces light up when they see all the decorations — it’s really heart-warming.’

this year, residents are raising money for charities including Julia’s House children’s hospice and the RNLI.