'TIS the season to be jolly . . . well almost.

Renowned for her early Christmas celebrations, Mary Cook decided her festive switch-on would be a formal event this year.

So, after decking the halls of her Tyneside home with the usual array of decorations and lights, she invited a North-East celebrity to flick the switch and light up what is probably the region's first Yuletide display.

Paul "Goffy" Gough, of Century FM, visited Mary's home in Joan Street, Benwell, Newcastle, and helped himself to a few mince pies and mulled wine as he performed the ceremony.

Mary, who started decorating in September, said: "I love Christmas and want to spread festive cheer around Benwell. Christmas is a wonderful time of year and the happiness it brings should not be confined to just a couple of weeks a year.

"The kids around here love it the most because it makes them laugh when they walk to school in the mornings. It makes them think the holidays are just around the corner."

Goffy said: "Mary is a real character, who brings a little cheer to the streets of Benwell. It is quite an honour to be the first person to perform a Christmas lights switch-on in the North-East and I hope the sight of fairy lights and tinsel through Mary's windows will spread festive spirit through the North-East - even if it is three months early.