Santa will have no problem finding these homes in Shoebury.

Madcap Steve Kohler, who last year boasted 2,000 Christmas lights on his house, has this year roped in his neighbour, Wayne Grimes, for a whopping 4,000 light extravaganza.

The big switch-on in Harrier Close was applauded by a crowd of neighbours and friends who turned out for the occasion.

Steve said: "This year, the lights go all the way from the roof to the front of the garden. My neighbour is also doing it so together we've got more lights than ever. We must have the brightest and most festive homes in the area."

House of lights - Steve reckons his festive display is the best in the area

Picture: MIKE BELLENIE

The light fantastic - part two

A Christmas challenge has been set - can you beat these festive dazzlers?

Jon Taverner from Pattocks, Basildon, has now unveiled his spectacle of lights to wow passers-by.

The display includes illuminated Christmas trees, stars and Father Christmas.

Jon, 25, worked on the project in the evenings and at weekends and is delighted with the result.

He said: "I do it every year but keep on adding new bits and pieces. When people come into the road they can see a load of white lights and a sledge sitting on top of the roof.

"I think it looks nice. You see things like this in America and I thought 'if they can do it so can I.'"

House of lights - can you beat Jon Taverner's display?

Picture: MAXINE CLARKE

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.