WITH Christmas still 47 days away it might seem far too early to deck the halls with boughs of holly.

But former homeless man Peter Bonney hopes that by being the first person in Oxford to put up Christmas decorations he can bring some seasonal cheer to those sleeping on the streets this winter.

Mr Bonney, 68, and his wife Carol, 59, are collecting sleeping bags, food and warm clothes to distribute to the homeless.

And by covering their home in Nuffield Road, Wood Farm, with Christmas decorations seven weeks before the big day, they hope it will it be easy to find the drop-off point.

Mr Bonney said: "I honestly don't know if I'm the first to have the lights up. I haven't seen or heard anyone else.

"It may be early for Christmas but it's never too early for the homeless.

"I like to help people and Christmas is a time when everyone can get together and help each other."

It is the second year Mr Bonney and his wife Carol, 59, have collected Christmas gifts. Last year, they gave gifts to more than 100 homeless people.

There are boxes outside his home where presents can be dropped off any time of the day.

Mr Bonney does not want money, only practical items, including sleeping bags, duvets, small tents, shoes, clothing, frying pans, small cookers, underwear, toothbrushes and shaving equipment, as well as tinned food, dry food, biscuits, confectionery, soft drinks and tea and coffee. They will then be distributed to many of the homeless living in the city.

Mr Bonney added: "It is unbelievable how many homeless people there are in Oxford sleeping rough in tents and in doorways you don't know about.

"Anyone can become homeless overnight, it may be youngsters falling out with their parents or someone who has left their wife or husband or others have been abused and just don't want to be found. It's getting cold now and they will need extra help."

Mr Bonney, a former seaman, lived on the streets 30 years ago.

Neighbour Jean Berry said: "I don't agree with the decorations being up so early in the shops, but it's wonderful having these in the road. Hopefully, the earlier he gets the decorations up, then the more he can get for the homeless."

  • Have you put your Christmas lights up yet or are you planning to light up your house in spectacular fashion? If so, call our news desk on 01865 425445 or email nqonews@nqo.com