MARY, Joseph and baby Jesus travelled from America to be star attractions in a Christmas light spectacular in Durham.

Raymond and Margaret Lauder turned to the Internet to help them find the crucial pieces for the Nativity scene in their garden.

The couple have transformed their home at 112 Hall Lane Estate, Willington, into a Christmas wonderland to raise money for charity.

It took two weeks for the holy family to cross the Atlantic, but Mr and Mrs Lauder said the trek was worthwhile when they switched on the display in front of a large crowd.

The couple spend an average of £800 a year to update their collection, which raises money for the Butterwick Hospice at Bishop Auckland.

Mr Lauder said: "Everybody has been brilliant, we have had a lot of support from the people of Willington.

It has taken a week to put together the display in a family effort involving sons Barry, Christopher and Shaun, and friend Ian Goddard.

Local businesses have also contributed, with Tommy Woodward supplying scaffolding to erect the lights and engineer Barry Fleming creating a reindeer which will be placed on the side of the house.