IT may only be the first week in December but one road in Hedge End has dived right into the spirit of Christmas and is tripping the light fantastic.

Neighbours in Nelsons Gardens have joined forces to make their street into a mini Christmas town, with fairy lights galore, flashing snowflakes and even a 6ft inflatable Santa.

It is now something of a tradition for Dave Clouting and his neighbours, who are hoping that their dazzling decorations can win them the top prize in the Daily Echo Christmas Lights Competition.

Dave, a 41-year-old postman and his wife Claire, have been decorating the front of their home for the past ten years, making Christmas that extra bit special for their children, Ellie, 17, and Daniel, 11.

Dave said: "I put the lights up because it makes me smile. Especially at this time of year when you get home from work and it's dark, it cheers you up. We also have a lot of children living around here and they all love it.

"It took me a couple of days to get it completed. The worst part is getting all the bulbs to work because when you take them down each year you just bung them in a box, smashing half of them.

"I like to keep it quite traditional so we keep to the flashing icicles and cherry fairy lights. When all six houses are lit up it looks really amazing."

Dave estimates there must be several thousand electric bulbs illuminating the six houses but he was not too keen to get out and count each one.

Dave added: "We must have a couple of thousand just on our house. I think we have enough up now - you have to watch the cost. It's time to start on the inside of the house now."