An Australian family who put more than half a million Christmas lights on their house has claimed a world record - for the second time. Father-of-three David Richards from Canberra first won the title in 2011 with 331,038 lights, but was beaten by a family in New York who put up 346,283. His family vowed to take regain the title this Christmas - so installed more than 31 miles of wire with 502,165 lights, glowing reindeer and loud music around their suburban home, to the irritation of some neighbors.
The sight has attracted neighbours from miles around - although not all of them are impressed. Some have not spoken to the family since 2011. Mr Richards, who lives in the suburb of Forrest with his wife Janean, son Aidan, 13, and daughters Caitlin, ten, and Madelyn, six, insisted most neighbors supported the display. He added: 'I have always loved Christmas. Having the Christmas lights with the community coming in and sharing it is a time when you get to know people you probably should know better, I guess.' Guinness World Records today confirmed the family's charity feat has officially the most Christmas lights on a residential property. The twinkling bulbs will cost about £1,400 to run for a month - but the sum has been donated by a local power company. The stunt is open to the public, and hundreds of people have already visited and posted videos on YouTube It will raise funds for children's charities including to fight Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Up to 70,000 people visited the light show when he last put it on in 2011 and it raised £44,000 for charity. This year Mr Richards said he wants to raise £56,000. He told the Canberra Times: 'It actually helps a lot of families who have put up with an amazing amount of grief. That makes it all worthwhile to me. Asked what it feels like to walk into the light, he said that 'It's like a party in your driveway every night.'
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