BRIGHT sparks are busy getting all lit up for this year's Chronicle Best Dressed Christmas House competition.

Homes throughout South Cheshire will sparkle as part of our contest backed by Focus DIY and Bridgemere Garden World.

Throughout December the Chronicle will be out and about photographing houses that shine out from the rest.

And there is a superb prize package on offer to winners of this year's Christmas campaign.

Focus, which has its head office on Crewe Business Park, has proved a generous sponsor by offering £500 of vouchers to spend in its Crewe or Nantwich stores.

The main winner will receive £200 in vouchers while three runners-up will be given £100 of vouchers each.

Bridgemere Garden World is also on board offering the main winner a decorated tree and bottle of bubbly.

Focus spokeswoman Clare Latham said: 'Our stores have a superb range of Christmas lights and characters that can be put in gardens and every year we see customers buying up stock to decorate the exterior as well as the interior of their home.'

Last year's competition shone on families who decorate their homes and fill their gardens with Christmas characters to raise money for charity.

Proceeds went to a number of South Cheshire causes, including St Luke's Hospice and the gynaecology ward at Leighton Hospital.

Many householders will be pulling out the stops to bring spectators to their door, filling their front gardens with illuminated snowmen, Santas, gift parcels and reindeer.

Focus stores on the Grand Junction Retail Park in Crewe and Beam Heath Way in Nantwich have plenty of ideas on how to create a spectacle people will come from miles around to see.

* To nominate a house call the Chronicle newsdesk on 01270 502430 or e-mail crewe.news@cheshirenews.co.uk.

Family looks on the bright side > > >

Family looks on the bright side

CHELTENHAM Crescent in Crewe has become a twinkling winter wonderland thanks to Clifford and Linda Taylor.

The couple are setting the residential road aglow with their outdoor Christmas lights.

The Taylors raised money for the Seahorse Swimming Club and Friends of Macon House for the last four years with a collection box which goes with their lights.

Mr Taylor said: 'Over the years, the money we have raised has amounted to almost £13,000. Last year we collected £1,250 and we are hoping for a similar amount again this year.

'Former mayor Mick Roberts suggested we raise money for charity by having a donation box for all the people who come to see our decorations.

'We get donations from organisations and individuals which we count up at the start of the New Year for when we do a big presentation to the two charities.

'Local charities struggle so we like to be able to give them something nice and help to fund things that the disabled children and adults might need.'

Mr and Mrs Taylor have been nominated in the Chronicle 'Light Up For Christmas' competition for several years, winning it in 2004.