IT took 700 lights and three weekends pitted against the elements, but it has paid off for Alan and Pat Taulbut who have won the Daily Echo's best Christmas lights prize.

The Taulbuts home in Gort Crescent, Sholing, was judged to be the most dazzling display in Southampton by Daily Echo editor Ian Murray.

"It was a stunning display, much better than my own, which has fallen down twice," Mr Murray said.

Pam Taulbut was thrilled with the win. She said: "I think it's brilliant because quite honestly we're only a little estate and nobody else puts out lights and we get comments from the neighbours and kids.

It's absolutely brilliant. I'm thrilled to bits."

"We've been doing it, my husband reckons for seven years, but it's actually five."

Alan Taulbut said: "Every year we add to the number of lights, and we've got a big reindeer and sleigh to put in yet."

Mrs Taulbut said she had not seen the competition they were up against this year.

"I haven't, not much, my husband does because he works with the refuse company, he see lots," she said. "Broadwater Road, they say that's good."

But the Taulbuts are not resting on their laurels.

"We've already got plans for next year," Mrs Taulbut said.

"We're going to rearrange the front of the house and the side of the house will be done in all LEDs."