It's glowing to be a bright Christmas for one family whose festive display is so big they paid a man for a MONTH just to put them up. 

Great-grandad Colin Marshall, 74, started his hobby around 20 years ago when a neighbour suggested people on their road should compete with decorations. 

But since then he admits things have 'got out of hand' as he has left them all in the shade. 

This year he has FORTY Christmas trees, TEN shiny snowmen and FIVE singing Santas lit by tens of thousands of bulbs in his home. 

His display also features two life-sized glowing polar bears, a dozen penguins and a life-sized reindeer which he has collected over the years. 

Items are also decked out throughout his four bedroom detached home in St Austell, Cornwall and switched on every night. 

His electricity bills for the seasonal quarter shoot up to around £1,700 - six times his normal amount. 

Colin, who runs a scaffolding business, paid one of his employees £150-a-day for a MONTH to install them all. 

He now gives tours from visitors to hundreds of visitors from throughout the country between 5pm and 9pm. 

Throughout the rest of the year, the items are stored in a range of warehouses and sheds that he owns. 

Colin, who is married to Ann, 77, said: "It's just got out of hand really. 

"It started as a little competition with myself and neighbours and it just got worse and worse. 

"We started just doing it for fun but we do it for charity now. My wife works for Sally's Cat Rescue and if people want to make donations we give it to them. 

"Our neighbours love it. Everyone loves it." 

Every year his three children, 14 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren all come to look at the spectacular display - with some family flying in from Hong Kong for it. 

He added: "I pay one of the blokes who works for me to put them up. It takes him four weeks and he is working full time on it. 

"I've probably spent tens of thousands on them over the years because they don't last that long, once you have put them away and get them out again sometimes they don't work. 

"We just do it for the fun of it and to put a smile on people's faces. I'd like to thank everyone who has donated and everyone who has come to visit." 

One woman Karen Li, revealed she travelled all the way from London when she heard about it. 

He said: "You should visit Colin Marshall on Carclaze Road, St Austell, for the most amazing Christmas lights. 

"Truly spectacular outside and in. He's happy to show children around and collects for charity. 

"You won't be disappointed his house is amazing inside and out. 

"All the locals congregate outside every year taking photographs. I am currently on my way to Cornwall from London just to see them."