Halloween beats Christmas for spooky display pair

Two neighbours who team up to transform their homes into one big Halloween display say they find the occasion more entertaining than Christmas.

Eddie Wood, from Grimsby, has decorated his house for 12 years, while neighbour Gay Hodgson followed suit about seven years ago when she moved in next door.

Visitors are invited to explore the display in return for a donation to Macmillan Cancer Support.

Gay said: "When my daughter was young, I used to always decorate the porch where we lived. And then when I moved here, he [Eddie] definitely got me hooked on Halloween."

She added: "I just love it. I love to see the kids' faces. They just light up when they see it all, it's brilliant."

Eddie said he had spent about £4,000 this year alone updating his collection. Over the past 12 years, he thinks he has spent about £20,000.

"It's about getting a good reaction from other people, and seeing them enjoy themselves.

"Halloween's better [than Christmas]. I enjoy it more, it's more entertaining. I get a buzz out of it," he added.

Gay agreed: "[I prefer] Halloween, definitely. I love it."

Gay said the occasion was at the front of their mind when the pair had their driveways resurfaced, making sure they were at the same height so their spooky decorations would not fall over.

This year, their display has been split into six zones - including a skeleton graveyard, a scarecrow tent and a witches' coven. There will also be activities for children, such as hook-a-duck and lucky dips.

People are able to visit until Sunday 1 November.

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