It Is dark, cold and wet but homes across Hampshire are cheering people up with their spectacular Christmas lights.

This next entry from Southampton does exactly that for the hundreds of schoolchildren who walk past on their way to and from school every day Mum of three, Michelle Chambers, of Prunes Close, in Lordswood, puts up her impressive illuminations each year to spread some Christmas magic, which she believes is lacking in her neighbourhood.

Her three children, ten-year-old Jayme-Leigh, Kayleigh, nine and 13-month-old Nathan, all love the dazzling decorations, especially the inflatable.

Michelle, 34, said: "We have been putting up the decorations for the past three years. We do it for the baby and the children and all the little kids that walk past on their way to and from school.

Christmas cheer "I want to spread some Christmas cheer because we are the only ones in our road that do it. I think it's catching on, though, because a few of our neighbours are starting to put some lights up."

With a 6ft Santa, a snowman and polar bears, icicle lights, and rope lights, Michelle's festive decorations are admired by all who walk by.

Michelle added: "When people walk past they say Oh how lovely, how amazing' and the elderly who live nearby bring their grandchildren to admire our decorations.

"Our decorations are more Christmassy than many other houses I have seen."