TWO families living in Simmons Way in Okehampton have lit up their street this Christmas with a stunning light display. Visitors to Simmons Way are greeted with the sight of a sea of bright lights and Christmas decorations in two displays by the Leahy and Jansz families who live next door but one to each other. At number 7, Bill Leahy, with the help of his daughter?s partner Owen Smith, has created a neon winter wonderland ? but not to be outdone, Karl and Natalie Jansz at number 11, have their own eye-catching illuminations. Muriel Leahy said this was the third year her husband had decorated the outside of their house although this was the biggest display yet. ?We started doing it for the grandchildren. We have eight grandchildren so we did it for them,? she said. However, the display had proved popular with young and old alike, as it is also enjoyed by residents at the Wardhayes home situated on the opposite side of the road. ?It is lovely for the people at Wardhayes to be able to look out and see it all lit up,? she added. Mrs Leahy said a charity box had been placed in the front garden, so people cheered by the lights could give to charity if they wanted. Any money raised will be given to Devon Air Ambulance. She said she loved to see her corner of Simmons Way all lit up and felt bright decorations were all part of providing Christmas cheer.
