28/09/2010 - A Port Glasgow man was getting into the festive spirit quickly — by putting his Christmas lights up FOUR months early.

John Hurrell, 63, said he loved Christmas so much, he started putting his lights up in August.

Even a stay in hospital could not deter John from putting up his annual lights fantastic show and 2010 was the earliest he had set up the display.

Great-grandad John said: “I love Christmas and put the lights up as early as possible. “I did put them up in August but then I went into hospital.

“I started putting them up on August the first.

“I was in hospital for two weeks and then finished putting them up at the start of September.

“Usually I put them up in November but I thought that I might have to go back into hospital and wanted to make sure the lights and decorations were up."

John had been putting up his Christmas lights early for around 10 years.

His Cumbrae Avenue home was decorated with lights, a snowman and Santas.

He said: “There are 20 sets of lights up — and some lights that are up all year.

“I was married on Christmas Eve 45 years ago so Christmas is always special.

"And when I got married it was snowing — so I love it when Christmas comes around.”

John and wife, Hughina, had 17 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

However, John admitted his wife and family aren’t quite as keen on his early festive spirit — and thought he was Christmas crackers.

He said: “Hughina thinks it is absolutely mad to put them up at this time. But I’m not worried whether people like them or not.”