Eunice's sparkling Elvis display

Hundreds of local people attended a Christmas lights switch-on with a difference last night despite a bitterly cold night.

They were joined by millions of TV viewers who watched the switch-on of the Elvis themed lights at Rawnsley pensioner Eunice Fitch's home.

The annual event, which has become legendary among locals, was beamed across the nation on BBC1 during The One Show.

Presenter Adrian Chiles officially threw the switch watched by the crowds who waited in the cold outside Eunice's home on Danby Drive.

Lights included Elvis with Vegas lights, a star of Elvis and a 4ft angel looking down on Elvis. There was also a 4ft Bart Simpson, a manger and singing Santas. The display has taken Eunice and her family one week to erect.

Elvis Impersonator, Mark Clay, performed as the King to give the event a party atmosphere. The whole event was free to on-lookers in exchange for a donation to Cancer Research. Eunice, who suffered a serious heart attack just before Christmas last year, claimed last night's event was a success and she thanked the public for turning out on a cold night.

Eunice said having the BBC cover the event had been a lot of hard work but despite the stresses of laying on her show she vowed to continue.