WELCOME to the home of Thomas and Christina Wallace.

Thomas Wallace, 65, and wife Christina, 67, were so excited by the birth of their first grandchild more than 20 years ago they decided to give them a Christmas display to remember by turning their home into an explosion of light.

Over the years, more and more decorations have been added and it is now a beacon of Christmas cheer.

The Winter Wonderland, which takes more than two weeks to set up, attracts plenty of attention and visitors and also raises money for the Essex Air Ambulance.

Christina said: “We started collecting about 20 years ago with my husband making decorations from coat hangers.

“Now it takes about two weeks and a lift to set up. “It has just got bigger and bigger.

“I have no idea how many bulbs there are and I don’t think the family know how much the electric bill is but we save all year for it.

“My husband asks for Christmas decorations for his birthday - in July.”

They chose the Essex Air ambulance after chatting to councillor Dave Harris.

Christina added: “We wanted to do something for a charity which meant something to someone we know.

“We have a snowman where people can put donations.”

Family, friends and neighbours all gathered for the switch-on last Saturday and welcomed the new addition of a Cinderella carriage made by hand.

Christina added: “The neighbours all say they love it and the family come down from London and Clacton to join us.

“We just love Christmas and were so excited to have grandchildren we wanted to do something for them.

“It has grown from a family affair.”

Visitors are welcome to come and look at the lights, in Prince Charles Road, Colchester, and donate to the Essex Air Ambulance.

  • HAVE you decorated your house? Send us your pictures along with your name, address and telephone number to adam.cornell@nqe.com and we may feature you in the Gazette