Worthy winners' glittering prizes

The contest, run in conjunction with Century FM, to find the best-decorated house in the region has seen some impressive entries from across the North-East.

But in the end there could be only one winner. And our judges chose Audrey and Albert Terry, from Laburnum Crescent, Easington, east Durham.

The couple decorated their house with more than 10,000 lights, had Santa and his helpers to greet the children and a talking tree to entertain guests.

The Terrys have been lighting up their home for more than 25 years and it has become known locally as the Christmas house.

Thousands have flocked to take a peek this year and have helped to raise more than £1,000 for Hartlepool and District Hospice.

Mrs Terry, who is also known as Mrs Santa, said: "We are absolutely ecstatic that we have won.

"Thousands of people have been to see the house. We had as many as 150 people on one Saturday. The kids absolutely love it - their faces just light up when they see the decorations.

"We have phoned all the family to tell them we have won, and they are over the moon.

"We would really like to thank all the Easington shops for donating prizes for the raffle and helping to raise money for the hospice."

The pair also enlisted the help of friends Gillian Lewis and Caroline Chopping who dressed as Santa's helpers every night.

Mr and Mrs Terry have won men and women's Eco Drive watches donated by Bradley's The Jewellers, which are being presented by Century FM DJ Paul "Goffy" Gough and a representative of Bradley's.

The second prize of a Pulsar watch worth up to £50 goes to Lesley and Robert Fleming, of Westmorland Way, Newton Aycliffe, County Durham. They spent four days putting up decorations after being inspired by the film Home Alone.

Third prize went to Robin and Carol French of Parkside, Spennymoor, County Durham, who win a bottle of champagne. They have been decorating their house with festive lights every Christmas for 20 years.