It was a tradition which started more than 50 years ago – a homeowner trying to spread a little Christmas cheer to his town.

Decades later, his family are continuing the legacy and attracting hundreds of children to their door.

Every year Peter and June Daw spend about seven weeks carefully assembling thousands of Christmas ornaments and lights around their property in Fulmerston Close, Thetford.

Mrs Daw said they have been putting on an Christmas display since her father Jimmy Macrow passed away 22 years ago, which has gradually grown more elaborate.

She said: 'When I was little my dad used to take pride in doing his front window.

'We started off with a sign in the window, a star or a cross. It has developed from there.

'There have got to be thousands of things out there – I still have more in the shed but we have not managed to put them all out!

'Each year we try to set it out differently. Everyone loves it. We are one of the longest running ones in Thetford, but I think others get their inspiration from us.'

The couple have been opening their garden every night since late November to welcome families from the town into their brightly-lit wonderland – and have even had to push their opening time forward from 6pm to 5pm to accommodate demand.

The garden has previously been featured on television and has earned the Daws awards.

But Mrs Daw stressed it was not about competition.

'It is about making people happy and putting smiles on their faces, and letting people take part.'

New additions for this year include a handmade model of Elsa, from Disney's smash hit Frozen.

The Christmassy beacon has also attracted a lot of attention on social media, with a post on the Thetford Forum Facebook page showing off the display getting more than 400 likes.

The garden in Fulmerston Close is open from 5pm to 9pm.

Have you or a neighbour got a great Christmas lights display in your garden? Email newsdesk@archant.co.uk