Christmas lights man dislikes ban

In previous years people travelled from afar to see the festive display

A 51-year-old man banned from putting up Christmas lights on his house by a court order says the action has "put a real dampener on Christmas".

Vic Moszczynski, of Sonning, Berks, has been forced to scale down his display for the past two years after Wokingham District Council obtained the order.

He is not allowed any lights on the roof or walls, music or animations and is limited to four inflatable figures.

It came after neighbours complained the house had become a tourist attraction.

Mr Moszczynski is prohibited from directly publicising his display, but has expressed his disappointment to friends.

In previous years, he said he has raised a total of £55,000 for charity but the order also bans him from collecting money outside his home.

The council said Mr Moszczynski "is more than welcome to collect for charity as long as it is not at his own home".

Two years ago, his giant display attracted hundreds of visitors but was criticised because it coincided with a rise in crime in the area.

The ban on Mr Moszczynski's extravagant displays was introduced at Christmas 2006 and runs until 2009.