AN unofficial Christmas lights display in Burnley is proving to be so popular it has been given a formal switch on time.

Neighbours in Chingford Bank are drawing in crowds from all over East Lancashire and beyond with their festive light show.

Mark Robinson and Ian Taylor have put thousands of lights outside their homes, including illuminated snowmen, Santas and stars.

Mark said: "We have about 100 cars a night coming down to have a look at our lights. Sometimes they stop in the middle of the road to have a look.

"We have people coming from Earby and all over. Drivers are pulling up to have a look, but I don't think they realise just how many light we have got.

"They are more than welcome to get out of their cars and look at our garden displays.

"We also have displays in our hallways that people can have a look at."

Now the lights are officially switched on at 4.30pm and turned off at 10pm. The display is proving to be such an attraction that letters of appreciation have been posted through the neighbours' doors.

"We have gone out to talk to a lot of people and they all say thankyou and wish us a Merry Christmas. It makes you feel good about yourself because you are bringing out the Christmas spirit in everyone", Mark added.

But it's not just families and children who are drawn to the spectacular light show.

"We have had young couples, and cars full of young lads and girls, going past, pipping their horns and giving us the thumbs up.

"We even have police cars outside. The other night we had the armed response unit sat outside. We thought we may have done something wrong but they were just looking at the lights."

The illumination experts are now considering making next year's light show even more special. They are looking for sponsors whose names will be displayed in lights and will donate any money to charity.

However, anyone who has not yet seen this Christmas spectacular, and would like to, be warned. The display will be switched off on January 3.