THE battle of the bulbs is well under way and people across Hampshire are battling against the elements to make sure that their homes have a chance of winning the Daily Echo's Christmas lights competition.

Anthony Baddams has fought wind and rain to get up his ladder and completely cover his Southampton home with a whole host of festive decorations.

Anthony, 38, of Derby Road, believes that all the hard work was worthwhile not only to see the joy it gives his four children, Tania, 21, Karl, 16, Danielle, 15 and Ryan, 13, but also the children in his community.

Anthony said: "I do it for the kids, not just mine but for the community to admire. It has taken me four weeks in total to get all the lights up because we have had to fight with the wind and rain but now it's up it was definitely all worth it."

"Where we have a multicultural community around this area we do not have a lot of Christmas lights so I do it for all the kids that live in the area so they can all have the chance to enjoy them.

"I first did it four years ago and this year I turned to my wife, Anita, and said I wanted to do it all again but with more lights than ever, so I've covered the whole house."

With an 8ft lit up Santa as the pinnacle of all his dazzling display, people are coming from far and wide to have their photograph taken outside. Anthony added: "All the children stop and have photographs taken outside my house, they love it."