THERE are still 44 days before Christmas but a couple have got into the Yuletide spirit early by switching on their festive lights.

For the sixth year running, Pete Bonney and wife Carol Ann have transformed their home and garden in Nuffield Road, Wood Farm, Oxford, installing a 10ft Santa Claus, giant snow globe and hundreds of Christmas lights.

Neighbours were out in force last night to see the official switch-on of the display, which aims to raise awareness of homelessness in Oxford.

Visitors to the house are being urged to leave food, blankets, scarves and hats, which will be handed out to people living on the city’s streets.

The couple do not accept money.

Mr Bonney, 71, and Mrs Bonney, 62, spend every Christmas Day handing out clothes and serving lunch to the city’s homeless population.

Following the closure of homelesscharity The Gap earlier this year, donations will be given to Two Saints, which runs Lucy Faithfull House in the city centre.

Mr Bonney said: “Every year we try and do something a little bit different, and this year is no exception.

“We have got a lot of new attractions and lights, and think people will really like them.

“I know a lot of the children around here look forward to the lights being turned on because for them it is the start of Christmas.”

Each year hundreds of people from around the county head to the estate to catch a glimpse of the display.

Mr Bonney said he and his wife had vowed to help homeless people in Oxford after spending nine months on the streets themselves 40 years ago.

He said: “Helping homeless people is obviously very close to our hearts because we know what it is like to live on the streets.

“There are a lot of vulnerable people in Oxford who can do with some help over the freezing winter months. That’s why we ask people to donate clothes, bedding and especially food, which could be put to very good use.”

Local nurseries and schools take their children along to see the decorations, which this year include a giant Winnie the Pooh and Tigger this year. Mr Bonney added: “It is a lovely way for us to bring some Christmas cheer to the area and help some very disadvantaged people.”

Lucy Faithfull House is a 61-bed hostel for homeless men and women in Speedwell Street.

Two Saints chief executive Louise Barnden said: “The work Pete and Carol do for us is extraordinary. they make a magnificent effort.

“Their support is vital to homeless people in Oxford, and all items donated will go towards helping marginalised people get back on their feet.”

dhearn@oxfordmail.co.uk Are you proud of your Christmas light display? Email pictures of your house and a brief description to yourpix@oxfordmail.co.uk