Many Britons claim their Christmas is ruined by flashing decorations, according to new research.

According to Halifax Home Insurance, 37 per cent of people in Britain feel that festive decorations have gone "over the top".

Over one and a half million people claim that neighbours’ Christmas lights have caused their family stress, affected their sleep and caused tension between them and a neighbour.

There is also the question of the lights as a fire hazard.

Halifax reports an average 33 per cent rise of electrical fires in December compared to other months.

Vicky Emmott, senior underwriter at Halifax Home Insurance advises people to "check that all Christmas lights meet the relevant British safety standards before putting them up".

Hull seems set to be the most colourful place in the UK this Christmas, with sales of lights reported to be 10 per cent higher than anywhere else.