LOVERS of festive lights in the North-East will be leading the way in the UK this Christmas, according to a survey.

The British Gas study has found that 27 per cent of homes in the region will be decked out with seasonal illuminations, with most people willing to spend up to £100.

The company said the nationwide electricity bill for the displays will top £13m.

However, displays of lights do not go down well with all North-East homeowners.

Twenty-four per cent told the survey they felt the illuminations were an embarrassment.

But three in five people said they wanted to decorate their homes to entertain youngsters.

In conjunction with the survey, British Gas is encouraging homeowners to make sure their lights are safe.

Spokesman Mark Duffell said: "It is important to be safe with electrics and be considerate of neighbours when planning big Christmas light displays.

"Each year, we get thousands of calls about electrical safety and Christmas lights.

"The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents predicts that about 80,000 people will spend Christmas and New Year in hospital as a result of an accident at home."