CHRISTMAS has come to Long Lane in Newport again this year — but it came in with more of a whisper than it's usual bang thanks to Covid.

Terry and Sue Ramplin spent a month preparing for the big lights switch-on tonight, but they didn't advertise it in advance due to not wanting crowds gathering.

They have still built their display in its usual style, featuring thousands of light and traditional scenes including a nativity, reindeers, Santa and a Christmas tree.

They hope people will still visit and have installed an in-and-out system on their driveway to aid social distancing.

They always collect for local charities and usually raise between £4,000 to £5,000.

This year they are helping the nearby Monkey Haven and Care in the Garden.

Terry said: "Normally for our opening night we have Island Roads put traffic lights up, we have a band and give out sweets, but obviously we couldn't do any of that this year.

"We are hoping people will still jump out of their cars and come and visit and donate though, because it is all to help the Island, and it has taken us a month to get it looking like this.

"It is an old-school style, spectacular display."