MILLIONS of TV viewers saw a Bolton street - nicknamed Moss Vegas - pick up £5,000 in a competition to find Britain's most festively-decorated homes.

People living in Mossfield Court in Halliwell have been attracting admirers from all over Bolton with their winter wonderland of Christmas lights.

And on Friday morning, the residents had a 6am wake-up call when cameras from GMTV turned up to film the presentation of the £5,000 cheque.

Residents will donate the prize money to the Tear Fund, a Christian charity which helps to fight poverty in the third world.

Delighted resident Ann Backhouse said: "There has been so much interest in the street from people passing by.

"We've had mini-buses full of people coming to look at the lights and one man said the houses looked better than Blackpool Illuminations.

"It's only a cul-de-sac, so people have been parking away from the street and walking down.

"We have been collecting from the visitors and we've already raised £1,300 which we'll add to the winnings.

"It will all be given to the Tear Fund, which helps fund children's education in poorer countries."

It was George Pardon-Bell who started the Mossfield Court tradition six years ago when he decorated the outside of his home.

Other residents soon followed and the street quickly became famous for its lights.

And on Friday they got extra special national recognition, when they were voted the best street display in the UK by viewers of GMTV.

For the past two years, the displays have been dedicated to Mr Pardon-Bell, who died of a heart attack in October 2004 and who was a supporter of the Tear Fund.

Resident, Barbara O'Hara, aged 48, said: "They broke the mould when they made George.

"He started putting lights on his house about six years ago and we all followed suit. He would do anything for you, he was the father figure of the community."

Linda Loynd, aged 59, said: "I couldn't believe it when we won the competition.

"It is the icing on the cake, it is absolutely fantastic news and I am so pleased."

The efforts made by residents have touched George's widow, June, aged 65.

She said: "I think it is excellent. George would have been so proud of all the hard work the residents have put in. He loved Christmas and adored things like this.

GMTV presenter Matt Arnold, told the residents: "I think it looks fabulous.

"If you look at one of the houses on its own it wouldn't be enough to win a competition, but because it is a whole street that's what makes it different.

"There's a real sense of community and, if George is watching, I'm sure it would bring a big smile to his face."