THERE'S no need to travel all the way to Blackpool to see spectacular illuminations this Christmas!

People in Tavistock need go no further than Roland Bailey Gardens to catch a stunning array of colourful festive lights.

The dazzling display was painstakingly assembled by Peter Palmer, who took a week off work to devote to the task.

The lights span the length of his father's bungalow and the garden fence.

He hopes to spread a little festive cheer and raise some money for charity at the same time.

'There's a box outside, and we're asking everyone who comes to see the lights to make a small donation for the Derriford Kidney Unit,' he said.

'My dad has kidney problems and the unit has been extremely helpful in his treatment.

'It's going really well so far — we raised £82 in the first four days.'

Peter, who works at Kivells estate agents, said the total cost of the lights was at least £1,500 plus electricity, but it was worth it to know people were coming to see the display.

He was not even deterred by a back injury he suffered when he started to put the lights up.

He said: 'I put my back out on the first day of the job, and had to undergo a couple of physio sessions. Fortunately I was able to carry on and finish the job.'

He said the lights were on a timer so that they came on automatically between 4.30pm and 1.30am and again in the morning from 6am to 7.30am.

To find Peter's illuminations at Roland Bailey Gardens, take the first turning right from The Dell, into Manor Road, then right again.