AUDREY and Arthur Terry started putting up their Christmas decorations in November.

With 10,000 lights to carefully arrange into festive set pieces, it is hardly surprising that they had to start so early.

The result of their handiwork is spectacular, and since their garden decorations at 19 Laburnum Crescent, Easington Colliery, in east Durham, were switched on during the evening of December 1, they have attracted hundreds of visitors.

Audrey says: "We just love Christmas. My late brother started me off collecting decorations and lights and it has just grown ever since."

There is also a more serious side to the glittering spectacle - as a means of raising money for Hartlepool Hospice.

To make doubly sure they collect plenty of Christmas cash, Audrey and Arthur dress up as Mr and Mrs Santa Claus, and have even roped in close friend Gill Lewis, as a Christmas elf.

The lights at Laburnum Crescent are switched on every night at 5pm and go off at 10pm.

There's plenty of time left to visit the glittering house, and make a donation to the hospice, because the lights will not be taken down until the New Year.