‘My mum’s 1956 Christmas lights that cost 18 shillings still work’ | UK News

A man who still has the same Christmas lights that his mother bought in 1956 says it is “pretty incredible” that they still work.

John King, 79, from Scunthorpe, said the lights were purchased from Halfords for 18 shillings when he was 10 years old.

They were used to decorate the tree at his family home for many years and, 69 years later, Mr King said he had never had to replace any part of them.

Mr King said: “I’ve always cherished and looked after them. It’s amazing, I can’t even believe it myself.”

Mr King said he remembered how he was “delighted” when his mother returned home from shopping on Scunthorpe’s High Street with the lights.

He added: “The price tag on them is 18 shillings.

“I was really excited with them because not many people could afford a set of lights in those times.”

The lights were manufactured by electrical company Philips.

Mr King said he also used to decorate his tree with tinsel and glass baubles.

“I’d put the lights on them and I was very, very charmed with them when they were all together.”

Although they still work, Mr King admitted he no longer uses them to decorate his tree.

“I have to say they’re now in retirement because, of course, they’re so precious to me,” he said.

“I’ll just keep it that way for now.”

Mr King added that he hoped they would last for another 69 years.

“It looks as if they’re going to last forever at the minute,” he added.