Santa's street of a thousand lights

The Burnage family from Malines Avenue has joined forces with four neighbours to create an amazing display of models and thousands of coloured bulbs.

This is the seventh year James Burnage and his sons Michael and Mark, who live in separate houses in the same road, have decorated their homes.

The lights are now firmly established as a top festive attraction with thousands descending on the road to see the displays, which are hand-made by the family.

James said: 'Our biggest problem is that visitors expect an ever improved display each year. So in response, as well as old favourites like Thomas the Tank Engine and Postman Pat, we have also built new models of Monsters Inc, Scooby Doo, the Teletubbies and Tom and Jerry.'

Despite being stolen two years ago and later recovered in the South Coast Road, Bob the Builder will be back and Father Christmas will appear every night from December 7-26. The lights will be on from 5pm to 8.30pm.

James said: 'We are hoping that more people than ever will bring along their children and grandchildren to make this year's event the best ever.'

Last year 5,000 was raised for the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Sick Children in Brighton, and it will again benefit from all cash raised.