Britain's oldest Christmas fairy lights have been lit for the 50th consecutive year - without a single bulb ever being replaced.

Ross Farr-Semmens, 40, inherited the lights from his mum Vina Shaddick, who bought them from Woolworths for just £3 in 1969, after she died last year.

Every year he brings out the plastic tree adorned with the string of colourful illuminations and describes it as a tense moment to see if they will switch on.

Britain's oldest Christmas fairy lights have been lit for the 50th consecutive year - without a single bulb ever being replaced. Ross Farr-Semmens, 40, inherited the lights from his mum Vina Shaddick, who bought them from Woolworths for just £3 in 1969, after she died last year. Every year he brings out the plastic tree adorned with the string of colourful illuminations and describes it as a tense moment to see if they will switch on.