MOST families start Christmas in December but for one particular family the festive period started in October.

This is just the 2nd year that Julian Vass from Kenyons Lane South in Haydock has created a winter display in his front garden for the community to gather around and see.

This year is slightly different as he hopes to raise some money for Willowbrook Hospice.

He said: "I started the display really small when we lived in Chorley, the polar bear and teddy bear train being the first items we bought.

"After this, I saw a Facebook group that was full of Christmas lights enthusiasts and I wanted to join in with the craze.

"I noticed a lot of them do switch on events and raise money for local charities so after I constructed the penguin slide last year I thought let's go bigger this year and use my daughter's play house, much to her dislike at first"

The Arctic display will be illuminated between 4.30pm and 10pm every night until January 2 with all donations received going to Willowbrook Hospice.

Donations can be made at the property.