LET there be light! The Northern Echo today joins forces with Century FM to search for the brightest house in the North-East this Christmas.

The winner of our fabulous Ho Ho Homes competition will scoop a year's free supply of electricity, based on the average household consumption.

The fun began on Saturday night when Paul "Goffy" Gough from Century FM and Peter Barron, editor of The Northern Echo, switched on the lights at Alan and Anne Crabtree's house, in Bishop Middleham, County Durham.

For the past 12 years, the Crabtrees have lit up the village with an ever-increasing number of lights at their home, in South View. This year, the display is bigger than ever.

Alan, a setter operator at Black and Decker, said: "It all started with one set of lights round the patio windows and it's just grown and grown. We get a real buzz out of it."

The lights also help to raise money for the Butterwick Children's Hospice at Stockton, with visitors to the house donating money for charity.

Lafarge Redland Aggregates, where Anne works, has helped sponsor the display.

Goffy, who had a large crowd singing Christmas songs in the run up to the big switch-on, said: "It's all about getting into the Christmas spirit and making the North-East a brighter place this festive season."

You can nominate a house by telephoning either The Northern Echo newsdesk on (01325) 381313 or Century FM on 0191-477 6666.

Or, take part on-line at www.thisischristmas.com where you can nominate your favourite decorations and have your say by voting.

Pictures of the entries will be featured in The Northern Echo and on our website at thisisthenortheast.co.uk

The winner will be announced in The Northern Echo and on Century FM on Christmas Eve.