It’s that time of the year again, when the daylight disappears and shortens to such an extent that we’re left in darkness for much of the month.

But, one man from Netherthird is determined to illuminate our lives throughout December.

Alex Weir, 67, has once again covered his house from top to bottom with Christmas lights, fairly brightening up the neighbourhood.

Cumnock Chronicle: Cadyn Connolly, 11, Lewis Savage, 7,and Tyla Savage, 10, with Cian Connolly 11.Cadyn Connolly, 11, Lewis Savage, 7,and Tyla Savage, 10, with Cian Connolly 11.

Alex, who in normal times would be dressed up as Santa Claus to greet all and sundry who passed by his shining beacon of festive cheer said that the display is especially important this year.

He said that coronavirus has taken away a lot from us and he wanted to give a little back to his neighbours.

He said: “It’s good to see this after the year we’ve had, hopefully it will cheer folk up.”

Not only will the local community benefit from viewing his outstanding light display, but Alex and his wife Jackie are also collecting donations from bypassers for East Ayrshire Community Hospital on Ayr Road in Cumnock.

He said: “It’s been some year for them, so we’re going to give the money to them for everything they’ve done.”

Cumnock Chronicle: Alex and Jackie alongside the donation box.Alex and Jackie alongside the donation box.

Christmas-mad Alex said that in total there must be about 20,000 individual lights covering his house on Holmburn Road, Netherthird.

He has been a long-time Christmas fan, having collected Christmas decorations and lights for the past 19 years.

It took him just over a week to install all of the lights, of which there are; a full nativity set, eight Santas, reindeers, angels, penguins, snowmen, stars, and more.

Alex puts on the display every year and usually he welcomes hundreds of local parents and children to his door to enjoy the lights.

Last year was his biggest turnout ever he said, with about 360 people arriving at Holmburn Road on one night.

All the money raised last year went to Netherthird Early Learning Centre.

This year, of course, things will have to be a bit different because of the coronavirus restrictions we are living under and so Alex does not expect such large crowds this time round.

There is a donation box at the front of the property so anybody wishing to support Alex’s fundraising efforts can pop their cash in there, when stopping by to admire the display.

The lights will remain up for all of December and will come down at some point early in January said Alex.

Alex wanted to let all the children out there reading this that just because coronavirus is keeping most of us at home, that they’re not to worry.

Santa has a special permit and he’s still allowed out of his local council area, so Christmas will still be going ahead.