Walmer is aglow with beautiful festive lights and the best displays have been judged by the parish council.

Among the best are Wale & Sons on The Strand, the Dixon residence in Dover Road and, yet again, Kennedy Drive has stepped up to the mark to make their street shine with 26 homes taking part.

Chairman of the Parish Council Cllr Pat Heath said: “We are delighted to announce that first prize has been won by The Dixon Family of Dover Road, who have created an extravagant display of various characters along their garage roof.

“The family is collecting money for the Stroke Association, a charity that relies on support to change the lives of people affected by strokes and reduce the number of people who are struck down by this devastating condition. So we encourage everyone to visit, enjoy the display and make a donation to this excellent cause.”

Children’s choice was judged by Florence Payne, winner of the 2014 Walmer in Bloom poster competition. She chose the Schofield family in Hawksdown, who created a spectacular and magical display including a fabulous enchanting Reindeer, depicting the true spirit of Christmas!

Business Category winner is Wale & Sons, whose display provides a merry feel to all who walk past on The Strand.

The Award for Community Effort goes to Kennedy Drive where nearly the whole cul-de-sac is lit up. Residents got together to celebrate their success with a glass of wine and a mince pie.

Kennedy Drive spokesman, Simon Chapman said: “There is a good deal of friendly competition and good humoured rivalry in the road when it comes to Christmas lights. Every year we are keen to see what our neighbours will put up and to try to out do them. That’s how our display has grown from just one resident displaying lights to nearly all of us.”

Runners-up in the competition included Mr Bourner of 27 Station Road with an immense Merry Christmas sign among a vast array of technicolour lights.

Mr Holt of Blake Close also impressed the judges with magical and elegant lights.