A STOURBRIDGE postman has been doing his bit to add sparkle to Christmas - as he does every year...but this time his festive lights are shining brighter than ever before.

Although his family can't see them as they usually do.

Martin Heeks, aged 64, has always put Christmas decorations up on the front of his Stepping Stones home to help spread a little festive cheer to his six children and 23 grandchildren and the neighbourhood.

"It goes back to when I was growing up. My Dad loved Christmas."

The tradition has not been quite so passionately pursued by his eight sisters and brother, he joked.

"I just plaster the house – inside and out," he said.

This year, however, his many relatives have been unable to see inside - instead having to settle for a quick doorstep or drive-by glimpse of the festive spectacle.

"Because of all this palava with Covid they haven't been in, they've just seen them on the doorstep or driven past.

"It's a shame, it's devastated family life but we've all got to grin and bear it."

Mr Heeks, a Royal Mail postman for more than 20 years, would normally be enjoying a big family Christmas get together but this year will be a much quieter affair.

But the coronavirus crisis has not stopped him spreading Christmas cheer to those able to see from the street his super-sparkling home which he said took around two days to decorate.

He told the News: "I've had a fair few people stop outside and take photos - it does cheer people up."

His son-in-law Matt Hall described the decorations as a "joyful sight" and said of his father-in-law's dedication to decking the halls: "It’s literally his favourite thing in the world to do and he even starts planning months in advance."