Black Country couple get an early start on Christmas

Oct 5 2009 by Matt Lloyd, Birmingham Mail

A BLACK Country couple have covered their home in thousands of fairy lights and decorations a full 86 days before Christmas.

Gladys and Leslie Maw, aged 67 and 80, from Whatley Road, Coalpool, said the lights have attracted the attention of local children who have been given treats at the Maws’ Santa’s Grotto.

Gladys, said: “It’s worth all the money, time and effort just to see the children’s faces light up when all of them are done. One of my grandsons will dress up as Santa and give every kid a present – we don’t like to see children going without.”

Leslie said: “The lights get a great response, we’re still putting things up and that’s why we’ve ­started so early.

“We have 60 grandchildren and great-grandchildren with four more on the way – so there’s plenty of people who will want to see them and plenty of presents to start buying.”