THOUSANDS of light bulbs flashing in time to some well-known festive tunes have prompted hundreds of locals to flock to a Kendal cul-de-sac.

A house on the town's Valley Drive has become a hive of activity after dark as people of all ages turn out to watch the display set up by homeowner, Mark Matthews.

"It's just a bit of fun but the kids like it," he said. "I wouldn't like to say how many people come out but we hear the cars on the cul-de-sac all night!"

The 40-year-old explained he began putting a display up 12 years ago, when his son, Jacob, was born.

Five years ago he bought computer software from America which co-ordinates 12,000 bulbs to flash in time to five Christmas songs, including Jingle Bells, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Mariah Carey's hit, All I Want for Christmas.

The lights wrap around the gables, windows and doors of his home, while speakers and a pair of six foot high trees complete the complex display, which plays between December 1 and January 1 until 9pm at night.

"The music is on fairly quietly so you can hear it when you stand in front of it but it doesn't disturb the neighbours!" he laughed.

"I've certainly not had any complaints anyway."

The display takes Mr Matthews four days to set up and is made up entirely of LED lights, which add around £50 to his December electricity bill.

He said he used to do the display to raise charity cash, but decided to stop when he realised he was competing with others who had the same idea.

Now a highlight of the month is when groups of local Cubs and Beavers complete a 'Christmas lights tour' of the housing estate and Mr Matthews dresses up as Santa and hands out treats to them.

"It's great to see their faces when they're chanting 'Santa' and I come out in my suit," he continued.

"Especially when it's the younger ones who haven't see it before and aren't expecting it."

He added: "People bring their children and grandchildren and now it's got to the point where I can't stop because people expect it!"