Neighbours in Chessington have joined forces to adorn their houses with Christmas lights for the tenth year running.

Self-professed “big kids” Paul Stone and Roy Arnold of Hereford Way started decorating their adjoining houses together ten years ago with just a small number of lights, but the project has now grown to dazzling proportions.

Mr Stone, 51, said they usually try to set a theme for their front garden displays.

He said: “This year my garden is a kind of woodland theme, but the best year was when we had a Santa’s grotto which included a shop front with toys in it.”

Surrey Comet:

Paul Stone with grandson Jack, two

It is an expensive tradition, but the friends try to accumulate new lights gradually throughout the year to spread the cost.

Mr Stone, an emergency response worker for Kingston Council contractor EM Highways, said: “We’re stocking up for next year already. I’ve got a nativity scene which I haven’t used yet.

“We try to get new stuff every year but it doesn’t come cheap.”

But money is no object if it makes his grandson Jack, two, happy, he said.

Mr Stone’s big ambition is to get a snow machine, but for now he is delighted with this year’s display.

He said: “As long as everything works I’m happy. We only have problems if it’s windy, as some of the animated lights can get blown off, then we have to lash them on really tight.”

“The neighbours don’t seem to mind. After all, the people opposite see them more than us.”