A PENSNETT couple made light of the festive season to claim a ton for brightening up their neighbourhood.

Barry and Gloria Raybould, from Birds Meadow, collected a £100 first prize after being voted winners of the Brierley Hill Christmas Lights competition.

A panel of judges decided the couple's array of twinkling treats had the most colour and originality as well as making good use of the house, garden and ornaments.

Competition judge Cllr Judy Foster said: "This is the first year of the competition and we are delighted to be in a position to award such a deserving entry.

“The address is well known for its decorations which are enjoyed by many in the neighbourhood and beyond.''

Barry Raybould added: “We put these decorations up every year. It’s a lot of effort but this year has proved to be well worth it.”

The competition was organised by councillors from the Brierley Hill and Brockmoor and Pensnett wards in conjunction with Brierley Hill traders.

The traders’ group donated the top prize plus runners up prizes of £25 for homes in Brockmoor, Pensnett and Brierley Hill.

The Bishop of Worcester, Dr John Inge, also had Christmas lights on his mind for his seasonal message.

Dr Inge said: “It’s often said that there’s something magical about Christmas, that it has a fairy tale quality to it. Christmas lights and other decorations certainly enliven things at this darkest time of the year.

“However, the greatest thing about Christmas is that it is celebrating a real event, not an imaginary one. Behind the birth of Jesus which we celebrate at Christmas lies the greatest truth we shall ever encounter – God loves you and me more than we can possibly imagine.

“That’s what he sent Jesus to tell us. There are many in our community who are in desperate need of human care and compassion as well as divine love this Christmas.

“The number of people and families being fed by the Worcester Foodbank, which is run by the church, has more than doubled in the last year. I know that other foodbanks around Worcestershire and Dudley have also seen increases.

“Those who started the foodbank have been gripped by God’s love and have responded to it wholeheartedly.

“They are grateful for how much they have been given and are impelled, as a result, to reach out to others.”