THESE Southampton illuminations have doubled in brilliance since a Christmas-mad couple moved next door to a festive family.

Richard and Joanne Whittingsteel, both 27, moved into their semi-detached home in King George's Avenue, Regents Park, earlier this year.

They were delighted when December came and the family next door started dusting down the Christmas lights too.

Richard, a landscape gardener, said: "We got chatting and said we would both put up our lights on December 1.

"It took about two days. We're not 100 per cent finished yet, but we're almost there."

Richard said he caught the Christmas bug from his dad, who transformed his home in Durlston Road, Millbrook, into a winter wonderland every year.

Meanwhile, Kevin and Helen Paddington brightened up their home with the help of Abigail, 15, Nathan, 12, and ten-year-old Connor.

The two families now are in with a chance of winning £300 in the Daily Echo and Haskins Festive Homes competition.

We want to find the most extravagant Christmas home in the region, the proud creators of which will win the top prize of vouchers for Haskins' West End shop.

Two runner-up prizes of £50 are up for grabs too.

Just nominate the most festive home in your area, then we'll photograph the most dazzling decorations and bring you a selection of the

best before announcing the winner. See below for competition details.

Do you live in the best festive home in the region?

E-mail claire.moriarty@soton-echo.co.uk

Write to Haskins Festive Homes, Southern Daily Echo, Newspaper House, Test Lane, Redbridge, Southampton, SO16 9JX.

Drop entries in the special box at Haskins customer services desk, Gaters Hill, West End.