Burton Latimer's 'Christmas Street' preparing for festive bonanza

Thousands are expected to visit the normally-quiet Hollow Wood Road again with all 28 houses in the close-knit community putting up Christmas displays for charity.

Residents will turn their lights on on Sunday, December 1. The lights come on at about 4pm each day, turning off at about 10pm, and will remain on until the new year.

Jamie Featon, who has lived in Hollow Wood Road for 11 years, said: "I think we should put in for a name change, Christmas Avenue or something like that.

"People say 'what's your address?' and when you say Hollow Wood Road they go 'that's Christmas Street isn't it?'"

The annual event started three years ago and residents are going all out this year with an estimated 100,000 lights on show.

Jamie's own display includes about 5,000 LED lights - 2,000 more than last year - as well as two projectors with carol singing and a 3D story time with Santa.

Last year's displays raised a phenomenal £12,000 for Cransley Hospice, animal rescue charity Nanna and two local children.

Residents are hoping to raise even more this year in aid of the self-funding air ambulance service and local scout and guides groups.

Jamie, 41, said the air ambulance was a vital service.

He said: "It does such a great job for everyone.

"It's a cause we help get behind and even if we only raise enough for a couple of flights it would be fantastic."

Money raised will also go towards helping scout and guide groups fund a minibus.

It's a cause with a connection to the street as Jamie's children Ty and Faith have both been involved with the groups and another man who lives in the street, Mark Cooper, is a scout leader.

Surplus funds have also seen £500 donated to Kettering's food bank with another £500 set to be donated before Christmas.

Those visiting have been asked to park at the nearby Bosworth's Garden Centre, who are kindly providing their car park for free, and take the short walk to Hollow Wood Road. Cones will prevent people from parking in the surrounding area.

Jamie added: "Last year was the busiest ever and we are expecting the same again this year."