The home of Christmas (From Western Telegraph)

The home of Christmas

A Milford Haven couple have pulled out all the stops this year to create a magical Christmas wonderland in the front garden of their home.

For 15 years, Gwyn and Ruth Briggs, of 20 Rectory Road, Hakin, have been splashing their home with festive cheer in the form of unusual Christmas decorations.

The tradition started when they moved to Germany to work for two years. It is traditional for Germans to decorate their houses with an abundance of Christmas decorations. Since returning to Pembrokeshire, they have kept up the tradition, adding to their collection every year. Decorations include igloos, penguins, a nativity scene, and even a 14-foot cross can be seen on the roof, along with all the traditional Christmas illuminations and an archway of soldiers.

Due to the estimated 30,000 bulbs in use in, the Briggs cannot use their cordless telephone or their satellite system as they interfere with the lights.

Diagnosed with leukaemia earlier this year, Gwyn was prepared to go all out to produce an unforgettable display.

Ruth said: He absolutely loves Christmas. We dont know what the future will hold, but Gwyn has made me promise that I will carry on doing the display every year.

Mr Briggs has become so well known for his Christmas lights that children have started coming to the house in September asking when they will be put up.

It is something the children really look forward to. Im sure some think Father Christmas lives here, added Ruth.

Sometimes Gwyn just stands in front of the window just so he can catch a glimpse of the childrens faces as they come right up to the house to see the moving snowmen. He is a big kid at heart.

The couple have been fostering children for 23 years. At present they have two adopted children and four foster children. They also have three grown-up children.

The Christmas decorations are also very special for the Briggs 16-year-old son, Darren, who has Downs Syndrome. Ruth said: He will always believe and this makes Christmas even more magical.

Pictured with Mr and Mrs Briggs are their grandchildren, Ben and Emma Fairburn, enjoying the festive display.

PICTURE: Kevin McCauley.