FAMILIES across York have transformed their homes with dazzling light displays in a bid to spread Christmas cheer.

Those behind many of the illuminations say the effort and bigger electricity bills fail to detract from the pleasure the lights bring to children. Others make the most of the attention from passers-by by collecting cash for charity.

At Thoresby Road in Acomb, Andrew Fearn's four children, three-year-old Liam, nine-year-old Daniel, six-year-old Chelsea and AJ, one, love the lights which cover the front of the house.

Said Andrew: "We have been doing it for about five or six years.

"Before that we had a pretty standard display with a couple of icicle lights outside. It has just progressed from there."

A three-foot aeroplane is one of the latest additions to the ever-increasing collection, which Andrew said adds an extra £15 to his weekly electricity bill.

"But it is worth it. It is great for the kids and creates a bit of cheer running up to Christmas," he said.

Roger and Janet Goodrick spent six days creating the display which covers their home and garage.

Six reindeer are the star attraction of the light show in Tranby Avenue from 3.30pm until 10pm, every day.

"We have a large snowman, and half a dozen reindeer. That's what people come to see," said Janet.

There are also icicle lights, stars, Christmas trees and a Merry Christmas sign.

"We started it as a bit of a giggle a few years ago, and it just got out of hand. We do it together - Roger hasn't got a head for heights so we struggle a bit!"

Last year they collected £400 for cancer care at York Hospital. This year's kitty already has £200, which will go to Martin House Hospice for Children and Young People, at Boston Spa.

Neighbours Louise Sutcliffe and Peter Clarke, of Gale Lane in Acomb, have put on an impressive show between them, much to the delight of Louise's children Ethan, Reece and Paige.

Peter said: "It was Louise's idea. I helped put her lights up and she said it would be nice if we both did it. Since then, I have gone mad - I have put them up inside and outside."

Kevin Gomez, of Langholme Drive, said his display took two-and-a-half days to put up with help from his granddaughter Katy.

"People passing by like it. I mainly do it for the kids but this year we have put a collection box out for St Leonard's Hospice. My father-in-law used to go there for day-care and then he was in the hospice for about three weeks before he died."

Updated: 10:10 Saturday, December 18, 2004