A WIDOW from Bridgwater has found a new passion for Christmas decorations after volunteering to help at a local care home.

Eileen Marsh and her husband spent years caring for her mother-in-law, who is in her 90s and not very mobile.

Eileen’s husband sadly passed away in 2017, but she has continued her daily care of his mother, a duty which many describe as a full-time job in itself.

In need of a creative outlet, Eileen volunteered to spice-up her local care home’s communal lounge with an array of Christmas decorations.

She spent a lengthy period collecting the most unique and magical decorations ahead of her big project.

Her efforts included browsing shops, scouring online sales, and trawling through charity shops.

Eventually, Eileen became well-known locally as an avid Christmas collector, so much so that shop owners would reserve items they thought she would like.

Friends and family continued to contribute to Eileen’s collection, and before long, she had scale villages for many of the models she had acquired.

Her stunning Christmas collection is now on display inside her flat, as she gears up for the big day on December 25.

Speaking on her newfound love for Christmas decorations, Eileen said: “January involves taking everything down and packing it away, which is an art itself, but leaving room for the new bits I know I will be getting while shopping in the sales.

“September, I start to plan the next design and start decorating October, with the light switch-on on December 1.

“I now live in a block of flats, so a lot of the residents come in for a look and family pop in - the young ones love it.”

Brian Bateman, who photographed Eileen’s collection, said: “Seldom do I get lost for words, but when entering Eileen’s apartment there was only one needed: WOW.

“It was like entering Santa’s grotto, only ten times better… with miniature Christmas roundabouts playing lovely music box Christmas music.

“Absolutely every space in the house was decorated: lounge, kitchen, bathroom, even the toilet.

“Just met an incredible talented and patient lady who just knows how to celebrate Christmas.”