It’s a labour of love that begins back in early November.

Two Wolverhampton couples start the mammoth Christmas decoration of their semi-detached homes just after Bonfire Night, but by the time December rolls around, their houses are alive with thousands of twinkling lights and eye-catching decorations.

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Ray and Sue Bird have been decorating their home in Showell Road, Low Hill, for a decade, while next door neighbours Sharon Brough and Chris Martin began five years ago.

Each year, the display gets bigger and better, with the couples scouring the local shops to find the next big thing.

Mrs Bird, a 50-year-old mother-of-nine, said today: “We’ve got Santa, a snow globe and a snowman and they all look incredible. It’s like they’ve come to life. We’ve also got thousands of lights, a moveable reindeer in the front garden and a polar bear.

“Every year it gets bigger and bigger and we have to find something new. We use so many plug sockets and there are lights every where you turn.”

The lights are proving so popular, the couples have now launched a charity collection for Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Meningitis Trust.

Miss Brough’s 18-month old son McKenzie was treated for heart problems at the children’s hospital last year. Mrs Bird’s 15-year-old daughter Zoe suffered from meningitis.

Miss Brough said: “My children love the Christmas lights – they are really excited.”