Thousands of Christmas lights are twinkling in Nayling Road as residents prepare for their latest wave of festive visitors.

For about a decade, neighbours in the road have created Christmas displays which have drawn ever bigger crowds each year.

This year’s displays include an igloo with light up penguins, Santa Claus, an inflatable polar bear and lots of snow.

Up to 25 homes are expected to take part in this year’s event, which will raise money for Diabetes UK.

Julie Jesse, 66, and her family began planning their display at the beginning of November and decided to support the diabetes charity as her granddaughter Shannon, 13, has the type 1 version.

Mrs Jesse said: “A lot of people are getting involved this year.

“One man said his children won’t go home unless they come round the estate, it is great, that is what we do it for to hear the children’s voices.

“We have got two snow machines and they come and knock on the door and say ‘can we see the snow.’ “It has just grown over the years since we started about nine or ten years ago.

“There is a real community spirit, in the evenings people are outside, it is a great feeling.”

See this week's paper for a double page picture special on the lights.