MORE than 400 people gathered to see a cul-de-sac in Poole transformed into a winter wonderland.

The event in Runton Road, Branksome has become one of the biggest displays in the country, with the location now famed for their festive lights.

This year's big switch-on, which started 25 years ago as a friendly competition between neighbours, took place on Saturday evening, with hundreds of people turning out.

This year, Miss Dorset, Samantha Bumford, conducted the all-important countdown.

Money raised from last night's event and the ongoing collection, include Forest Holme hospice, Amelia's Rainbow Trust, Julia's House Hospice and the RNLI as well as a little boy with Nephrotic Syndrome. 

Disco Mad Dance Academy also performed at Saturday's event.

One of the residents, Michael Philips said: "It was brilliant. More and more people get involved each year -there must be around 53 houses which put some kind of lights up now.

"We're really grateful for all the support and hope to raise a lot of money."