WHOSE bright idea was this then?

Look no further than Christmas-mad Andrew Bennett, of Sketty Park, Swansea.

The 34-year-old taxi driver spent three weeks putting up his Christmas decorations, which have stopped motorists in their tracks and left his neighbours gobsmacked.

As well as hundreds of flashing lights, he's put a real Christmas tree in his front garden and installed a projector, which flashes up Christmas images onto his house.

And that's only the front of the house.

Dad-of-three Andrew, who lives with partner Vicki in Aneurin Way, admits he goes crackers for Christmas.

"I started putting lights up on the house around three years ago, and it's gradually got bigger every year," he said.

"My partner thought I was a bit mad, but she's come around now. My kids Curtis, Kaitlyn and Cameron love the lights, but I'm probably the biggest kid out of all of them.

"Christmas is just such a great time.

"It's always been special, since I was young."

And perhaps that is not surprising given that Andrew's birthday comes five days after Christmas, while his three sisters were born on Boxing Day, December 23 and December 20.

"I even have a nephew who was born five days before Christmas," he added.

"I guess I've grown up associating this time of year with lots of celebrations."

So much so, he spends the rest of the year on the lookout for more decorations to add to his terraced home.

"This year I've even had to put in special electric points for the light," he added.

"I've got musical lights in the front garden, illuminated reindeer and lights all throughout the house.

"I don't go out and spend silly money, most of the stuff we get is in the January sales.

"But it's nice to make a bit of an effort.

"Some people might think I'm daft or over the top, but it's just a bit of fun.

"I get the odd funny look, but on the whole people have been really supportive.

"I've had people getting out of their cars to take a look. It's quite a talking point in the area. I think it's nice to spread a little Christmas spirit about."

But there is one drawback — the electric bill. "I'm trying not to think about it right now," he laughed.

"But I'm planning next year's lights already.

"I'm hoping to make the projector even bigger."

Now, Deck the Halls with the help of a Gift Card from B&Q!

We want to see how you have decorated the outside of your home this year.

The UK's leading home improvement and garden retailer which offers gift cards from £1 up to £1,000, wants to help you make the most of your Christmas shopping by offering you the chance to win a £200 gift card to spend at any of its local stores.

All you need to do is take a picture of your exterior decorations and then send them to us either as a photograph or via e-mail to peter.slee@swwmedia.co.uk or by post to Features Desk, Christmas Lights Comp, Evening Post, Adelaide Street, Swansea SA1 1QT. Closing date is January 1.

If you are the lucky winner you will receive a gift card for yourself in the value of £200 to spend at B&Q. Normal terms and conditions apply.

ben.wright@swwmedia.co.uk

Entries so far:

Family's Festive Spirit