Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Blackpool and even Southend are all famous for the lure of their bright lights.

And this Christmas one Braintree man is doing his best to make the mid-Essex town the newest name on the list of luminaries.

Steven Jarvis spent the best part of two weeks up a ladder adorning his home with more than 3,000 Christmas lights, glowing Santas and even two 4ft-tall candles.

And the magnificent festive display at the house in Goldingham Drive is all for charity.

Father-of-four Mr Jarvis, 42, has bolted a collection tin on to his front fence so appreciative passersby can make a donation.

He will give all the money he raises - from now until the lights come down in early January - to the children's ward at St John's Hospital in Chelmsford.

Mr Jarvis said: "I normally have a few Christmas decorations up, but this year I thought I might as well go a bit further. If I collect £10 or £1,000 it doesn't really matter. It's all for a good cause."

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