When Jim Burnage turned his house into an illuminated winter wonderland, his sons vowed to outdo him and light up their own homes in the same street.

Since then, Malines Avenue in Peacehaven has attracted people from all over the county who make a trip to the light fantastic, now spread across seven houses.

The dazzling display, featuring children's favourite characters, began seven years ago when Jim bought a Father Christmas at an auction.

He decided Santa was lacking a sleigh so he made one and people began to stop to look.

The following year his sons, Michael and Mark, who live on the same the street, decided they could do better and made some characters of their own.

However, Michael found his giant snowman and huge Father Christmas scared children and said: "We realised that was not the way to go and since then we've been doing smaller characters."

The family began to make more characters and as an increasing number of people flocked to see the displays, they decided to collect money for The Royal Alexandra Rockinghorse Appeal and have raised more than £10,000 in five years.

Last year, the Burnages got their neighbours, the Truelov family, involved and this year three more homes have taken on the Burnage's characters, having now turned their street into an electric avenue. Next year, three more housholders plan to get involved.

Simon Truelov said his father Roland offered to take on some of the characters made by Jim. Now, his garden is a glowing tribute to Postman Pat and all his friends.

Simon said: "I think it's a lot better than commercial lights. They are all very pretty but have not got the personal touch."

The whole display of 50 characters includes Bob the Builder, Thomas the Tank Engine, Monsters Inc, Scooby Doo, Teletubbies and Tom and Jerry.

The Burnage family even bought a giant father Christmas and two reindeer that once flew over the now-closed Hanningtons store.

Michael said: "The best reactions come from the children. That is the main reason I do it. It makes all the hard work and getting cold worthwhile.

"We have had many letters over the years from people, not just from the town but from across the county."

The light display will run until Christmas Eve between 5.30pm and 8.30pm. Father Christmas will be outside collecting donations and all electricity bills are paid by the Burnage family.