IF you think you're seeing quadruple, it's not the cherry brandy but a completely different sort of festive spirit.

Cancer patient Colin Price has decided to brighten up the neighbourhood with a very special winter wonderland.

Several blow-up Santas back up the main one who sleds across the lawn behind reindeer, while another sled drawn by yet more reindeer crosses the roof, to the light of shooting stars, while choirs from on high sing carols.

The mini-conifers which line the garden path are decorated with silver baubles and ropes of flashing icicles. A fibre-optic Christmas tree winks in the background.

Colin, 63, would like to get on the roof himself and create more son-et-lumire but his wife Shirley won't let him.

"I've got leukaemia, asthma, diabetes, I've had three heart attacks and I've just had an operation on my knee," he said.

Shirley could have a point.

The first show went up last year to the enthusiasm of neighbours.

"They're 90 and 92 next door and they love the music," said Colin.

And the grandfather-of-three noticed coaches diverting to Prunus Close - the Ferndown cul-de-sac where he lives - so passengers could take a look.

Dog walkers also started making detours to take in the show and many people have even knocked on the door to say how much they enjoy it.

So up it went again this year with a collecting box for cancer research.

"I shall give it all to the Royal Bournemouth because they've been so good to me," said Colin, who retired as caretaker of Ferndown Middle School in 1992.

Getting the lights and sound all switched on as dusk descends takes several minutes.

"The electric bill shoots up this quarter but it's only once a year," added Colin.

Indoors it's Shirley - helped by a granddaughter - who has created a grotto the like of which was never seen in Lapland.

More Santas take up quite a lot of space in the living room, the tree is drenched from top to bottom in gold, with two fairies and a flashing star at the top, while gold decorations twinkle from every possible surface.