By Isle of Wight Observer
An appearance on BBC One’s The One Show has put Gunville firmly on the map, thanks to one man’s spectacular Christmas lights display raising funds for Mountbatten Isle of Wight.
Ash Lane resident Lee Hayden welcomed TV presenter Angellica Bell to his home in December as part of filming for the programme, after his display caught national attention.
“I was absolutely in shock,” she told Lee. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Almost every inch of his house and garden is covered in festive lights, with thousands of brightly coloured bulbs illuminating moving reindeer, snowmen, Father Christmas figures and a large outdoor Christmas tree.
The display,for its third year supported Mountbatten IW and has become a popular seasonal attraction. Visitors can see the lights at Ash Lane, Newport.
Preparations for this year’s display were hampered after Lee suffered a serious knee injury, but friends and family stepped in to help ensure the lights were ready on time. Local businesses also provided support.
“We try and change it up each year and make it that little bit bigger,” said Lee.
The episode of The One Show featuring Lee is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
