TWO of Santa's little helpers, who were told their light display in Corsham was tacky, have been gifted hundreds of pounds worth of Christmas decoration to help spread the festive cheer.

Alice Hughes, 22, and Jordan Franklin, 24, who live in adjoining houses in the aptly named Light Close and work as elves in Emery Gate, received a poison pen letter on Tuesday, December 6, calling their lights tacky and common.

"I came down the stairs and I thought it was my first Christmas card as I only moved here in June and I got really excited," Miss Hughes said. "But it was the letter calling our lights tacky and I just stood there and laughed - I was so shocked!

"I ran over to Jordan's and she just laughed. She posted the note on Facebook and it just went crazy and took off. It came with a first class stamp on it too - they didn't even post it through my letter box. That was what made it so funny and it came with a blooming Christmas robin stamp on it!"

The two friends, who have only recently moved to Light Close, decided to do up their houses and gardens to spread the festive cheer like any real elf would and now Miss Hughes said the nearby Grinch's plan has backfired.

"We have been given some lights by others and Emery Gate Shopping Centre sponsored us and they gave us a blow up Santa and some fairy lights, which was really cool," the 22-year-old said. "Our neighbours said they couldn't believe it and have decided they are going to do it too. I bet who ever sent the letter is feeling silly now!"

The whole ordeal has also brought the quiet cul-de-sac together and since receiving the letter, Miss Hughes and Miss Franklin have received invitations to go out for drinks and get to know others.

Miss Hughes added: The whole thing has actually brought us all together. It is all about Christmas spirit!"