Pub lights spectacular sparks Christmas spirit

And more than 500 people turned out to see the festive lights switched on at The Summer House pub near Sedgley. Families flocked to see landlord John Coombes unveil the £3,000 Christmas extravaganza – his biggest yet.

The Gospel End pub has been adorned with more than 25,000 bulbs, while the roof is covered in Santas and snowmen.

The road outside became clogged with traffic on Sunday as people struggled to find a parking space.

Once the lights had been turned on the crowd was treated to a 30-minute firework display. Lynda and Darren Freeman took their four-year-old daughter Jessica along for the first time and said the lights were "brilliant".

Mr Freeman, a 38-year-old telephone engineer of Sedgley, said: "We have talked about coming before but never made it. We're really impressed. Jessica's face lit up when the lights came on and she's fascinated by Christmas."

Among the pub's regulars watching outside were Pam and Steve Pugh, of Coseley, with their granddaughter Alivia Rose Pugh, two. Mrs Pugh, 51, a sales adviser, said: "What's there not to like? Christmas is about getting together and enjoying the celebration."We come here year after year and each time they add a bit more – it's amazing how they do it."

Friends Raisa Evans, Jade Guest, Charlotte Taylor and Emma Bourne, all 16, were gathered to see the display and said they enjoyed the atmosphere. Emma added: "It's great to see the looks on the little children's faces."

Mr Coombes, aged 58, said the display, which has raised more than £20,000 for Compton Hospice in recent years, is "a lot of effort" but added: "We do this every year because we love Christmas.

"The way things are with the country at the moment, this brings a smile to people's faces. We have a great set of customers here and it's lovely to see everyone here."