A WISTASTON man says he won't be taking his Christmas lights down as he wants to shine a bit of light into the gloom of the lockdown.

Robert Richardson plans on hanging onto a bit of festive spirit through January, so he has left his outdoor lights up at the front of his home in Lear Drive.

Several other local residents have joined in to and are keeping their Christmas lights on this year as a symbol of hope and to spread positivity.

English Heritage and Church of England have backed the idea in order to bring cheer in the dark winter months.

Traditionally Christmas decorations are taken down by Twelfth Night (January 6). However, in the Christian calendar, the season of Christmas continues until Candlemas on 2nd February.

The tradition that it is bad luck to keep decorations up after Twelfth Night and the Epiphany is a modern invention.

Robert said: "The period after 12th night is always a bit depressing after the hubbub of Christmas, but with lockdown again I just think it's more important this year to keep a little bit of the Christmas spirit, which was amazing this year," said Robert.

"So many people put fantastic Christmas lights this year and it really did perk people up, so if I can at least raise a smile with mine that would be great. And of course I'll be clapping on a Thursday night again and playing my snare drum again for the heroes."