The family 'famous' in Hemel Hempstead for decade of Christmas displays

The impressive display featured Disney characters, a nativity scene and a train track

A family who have decorated their home with Christmas lights for 10 years said they never planned on making it a tradition.

Michelle Pulis, 45, husband Ian, 45, and their two children have gained a reputation for festive displays in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire.

For the last decade, they have covered their house and garden in thousands of lights and raised money for charity.

"I don't think we ever envisioned going on for all these years," Mr Pulis said.

"I don't think we quite envisioned at the time what we took on, because now we're really famous round our way where people just expect us to do our lights, and it has just got bigger and bigger."

The Pulis family have impressed neighbours with their Christmas displays for a decade

Mrs Pulis said preparation for the switch-on starts in October and is a "family affair" with Oliver, 16, and Stanley, 13 joining in too. Money raised from the display goes to Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care.

"We are glad we can still continue to provide a bit of magic over the Christmas period," the current accounts manager said.

She added: "Our whole front garden is turned into a Christmas scene.

"The grass area is covered in a blanket of snow and we've got a North Pole scene which we've built out of scaffold. I say 'we', but it is mainly my husband."

Michelle Pulis said her family was glad it could continue to provide 'a bit of magic'

The impressive displays have also featured light-up animals, Disney characters and a train track, which Mr Pulis, who is an engineer, said is "everyone's favourite".

The family switched on the lights on 25 November and plan to turn them off on Boxing Day.

They keep the lights on for five hours each day from 4.30pm, and Mrs Pulis said local businesses have helped to ensure they can continue as increasing energy prices and the cost of living have made it "difficult".