Shedfield decorated house

Now in his tenth year of spending long weekends dusting off decorations and carefully positioning them around the garden, the 52-year-old is more determined than ever to be crowned the king of Christmas displays.

Ivor has some new additions to his collection of thousands of twinkling lights and 6ft waving Santa to make him a strong contender. The self-employed handyman took advantage of Woolworths going out of business and even bartered for the Portsmouth branch’s animated window display complete with a sleigh, Santa, husky and deer to create his own Santa’s grotto to impress his neighbours.

Dad-of-two Ivor, of Heathlands, Shedfield, said: “I like to do it every year to dedicate it to my mum and all the kids and adults, who come back every year and love it. I get so many comments. Nothing would stop me doing it – even if I didn’t have kids. It is the time of year to make an effort.”

n Are your festive lights a shine above the rest or have you been dazzled by a neighbour’s effort? The winner will get a bottle of champagne. Call Tara Russell on 023 8042 4495.