A STARTFORTH resident who is lighting up his village has won a Christmas contest.
Families and passersby stop and stare in delight at Mike Dack’s display at his home in Stainmore Close.
He has now been judged the champion of Startforth’s Christmas Sparkle competition, an annual event to find the best illuminated home with an emphasis on overall effect rather than the number of lights.
His victory is fitting because he has reduced the number of lights this year to cut costs but has still managed to brighten the street. He said: “I started five years ago with a simple tree in the garden with lights around. Over the years, it’s got out of control.”
Last year, Mr Dack raised £60 for charity by asking for donations but felt it was inappropriate to do the same this year because people are feeling the pinch and he didn’t want people to feel obliged to dip into their pockets.
He paid a £270 electricity bill to run the lights in 2022 and has made some changes to keep a similar cost this year, despite a rise in prices.
“There were 24 sets of lights last year but it’s 18 now – they’re more spread out so it doesn’t make too much of a difference. They go on at about 3.30pm and off at 9pm, which is a shorter time than last Christmas. We get cars coming up to have a look. My two boys love it – they’re Christmas mad too.” The competition was run by Startforth Parish Council and judged by Mercury editor Trevor Brookes. Cash prizes of £50, £30 and £20 are being awarded to properties in first, second and third place. Second place was Amanda Ainsley, of Ullathorne Rise, and third were Andrew and Debbie Robson, of Burnhope Way.
