Two families have defied the credit crunch by pulling out all the stops to fill the dark winter nights with festive cheer.

The Sowdens, of Falcon Close, Otley, and the Atwoods, of Athelstan Lane, Otley, have both gone the extra mile to ensure their homes’ Christmas light displays truly dazzle this year.

Both households have covered their houses and gardens with colourful, festive illuminations and recently held their very own ‘switch on’ ceremonies to celebrate the fact.

Money collected from donations at the Falcon Close home will go to Otley children’s charity Hang on to a Dream, while the collection at the Athelstan Lane house will go to Cancer Research.

Plumber Alan Sowden, 54, said: “We started doing it around 1998 as a bit of a joke competition with a neighbour, who’s moved away now, and have done it every year since apart from last year.

“Unfortunately, I got that much grief from people for not doing it that it was unbelievable. They said they were really disappointed so I promised everybody I’d do them again this year and I think I’m stuck with doing it!

“We’re doing pretty well already and have got around £90.”