A family in Oldham who are renowned for spreading Christmas cheer with their fully decked out house and lawn for more than a decade has created an even bigger display this year with a postbox to the North Pole.
Mark and Zoe Ward and their two children, Ellie and Esmai, look forward to the festive season and plan their famous 'Christmas house' on Fitton Hill months in advance.
The family have been decorating and lighting up their home for Christmas for 11 years on the bounce, with snowmen, teddy bears, penguins, reindeer, gingerbread men, candy canes, elves, wreaths, garlands and lights in abundance which hug around their home and garden.
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This year, the family said they've gone even "bigger and better" than the years before with their masterpiece, having built a special North Pole post box for youngsters in the community to send their Christmas lists and letters to Santa.
Mr Ward said it takes the family a lot of hard work and graft to bring their Christmas house to life and they spent three days last week getting the job done.
The family even got rid of the grass in the summer in favour of paving stones to make the pathway level so it is "better for the display and easier to bolt down for the strong winds".
The father of two added: "Our Christmas display for 2024 is bigger and better, spreading the Christmas spirit to our community and we're even getting visits from other communities.
"The messages are unreal.
"We added a special touch this year for the children with a light-up 'letters to Santa' postbox that is a massive hit so far.
"We're already receiving loads of letters from the little children."
The family add more decorations to their display every year for their neighbours as Mr Ward says he wants to "give everyone the chance to light up children's faces in these hard times".
The sheer amount of decorations has meant the family have had to build a 16ft shed to store it all, which Mr and Mrs Ward hope will become a family tradition that their children carry on.
Mr Ward told The Oldham Times last year: "They love it.
"It's never too early to celebrate.
"It's our favourite time of year and no matter how hard life gets, it's about making people smile and treasuring those memories."
Neighbours have since been praising the magnificent display on social media.
Nicola Williams wrote: "Omg yay!
"We’ve been round twice this week once last night checking.
"I’ll bring my toddler tomorrow, he loves your house every year."
Another said: "Love it, looks amazing" while a third wrote: "You nailed it."
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