NORTH Yorkshire pensioner Eric Marshall is attracting visitors from far and wide with his spectacular display of Christmas lights.

Mr Marshall, 74, of Bagby, has spent three weeks installing the elaborate display on the walls, roof and garden of his bungalow near Thirsk.

The breathtaking light show has drawn people from all over Yorkshire, Manchester and Newcastle so far.

Starting nearly 20 years ago, the former print manager has collected more and more lights, so far raising about £15,000 for charity.

He said: “Each year I try and alter it so it’s a different show.

“This year I have a little church that sings Christmas carols and I have got a crib as well. To start with, the first thing I put up was a Santa and sleigh and the children liked it. They started knocking on the door in September and asking about the lights.”

Wife Jean, 70, and his neighbours like the annual display, said Mr Marshall, who admitted he didn’t like to look at his electricity bills. “I’m on direct debit and I don’t look at it. I put it in the drawer. I might not do it otherwise,” he said. He buys lights in the January sales to cut costs.

Last year the Salvation Army choir sang outside and £800 was raised for Sr Mary’s church, Bagby.

The annual display also became the subject of a Discovery Channel documentary two years ago.