A FESTIVE competition to shine a light on the streets of a dale village was hotly contested with 16 households decorating their homes.
Winners for the inaugural Startforth Sparkle competition, organised by the parish council, were announced during a children’s Christmas party at the community centre.
Roger Peat, from Barnard Castle Christmas Lights Committee, was drafted in to judge the competition. He said it was difficult decision because everyone who entered had put in a huge amount of effort.
Chairman of the parish council Cllr Pat Estall said there had been 16 entries and was pleased so many residents had taken the time to take part. The competition was won by Startforth Park resident Frank Goat, who has decorated the front of his home and garden for the past 15 years. He won a £50 hamper and was said he is already planning next year’s display. His display usually takes about eight hours to put up but he kept people guessing this year as he didn’t turn it on until the last moment. He said: “I did it in bits so it was about three weeks to put it all up and one of my neighbours thought I wasn’t going to do it as I hadn’t turned it on. I’ve actually bought some more lights already. It’s really nice to see people out-doing each other and it’s a bit of fun.”
Second place was Joanne Underwood from Stainmore Place, Liz Venis third and the Eccles family fourth.
