Ref. 28075-75THE skies of Wroughton are now aglow with a huge Christmas lights display which can be seen from two miles away on the M4.

Andy Freeman, 37, has draped his semi-detached house in Bassett Down with more than 11,000 lights and other Christmas decorations.

The house featured in a Nationwide Building Society advertisement last year and since then Andy's plans for the house have grown ever more elaborate.

"It's bigger and brighter than ever before," said Andy, who has multiple sclerosis. "It really is a sight to behold."

He is hosting the lights extravaganza for the third year running and all money raised goes to the Swindon branch of the MS Society.

"Last year I raised £1,000 thanks to Nationwide featuring our house in their advert," said Andy, a former lorry driver.

The mayor of Swindon, Derek Benfield, officially switched on Andy's lights on Monday.

Despite the drizzly winter weather, dozens of people gathered to see his three-bedroom house transformed into a festive light show.

"The number of visitors we have each year seems to grow and grow," said Andy.

"Some people make a special trip out here just to see the lights.

"The school bus even slows down each morning so the kids can have a good look. It's great fun."

Surprisingly, Andy is only expecting his electricity bills to amount to £15 a week.

"All the lights are low voltage so it isn't too costly really," he said

"There's not too much demand on the supplies."

Andy, who is married to Sandra, 56, says he has always been interested in Christmas light displays and aspired to set up a huge scale extravaganza.

"I used to see massive light displays in America and it fascinated me," he said.

"I first put up a few lights in my garden 13 years ago. Since then I've just kept adding and adding to it.

"I just love it. I've added 4,000 lights since last year."

This year Andy is hoping to raise £1,000 again.

He has approached local companies for donations and sponsorship and has already amassed £650.

He also has collection boxes outside his house in Park View, the De Vere Leisure Club, in West Swindon, and The Village Leisure Club, in South Marston.

Andy was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1999.

He can still walk unaided but uses a stick or a wheelchair if he is in a rush.

A friend helped Andy to fix the thousands of lights to the house, as well as putting a Santa and his sleigh onto the roof and seven reindeer on the ground.

There is also a Christmas tree and nativity scene in the garden.

For an online look at Andy's lights go to www.andyschristmaslights.btinternet.co.uk

Donations can also be made from there.

Emma Lidbury