Christmas lights legend Michael Johnson, known as Mick by friends and family, died at the Royal United Hospital in Bath on August 25, aged 77.

Mr Johnson was born in London on May 6, 1937, and grew up there with his parents and brother Ray and their parents.

One of his earliest jobs was as a telegram boy for Buckingham Palace. On the day of the Queen’s coronation Mr Johnson had to cycle along The Mall through the crowds to deliver a telegram to the Queen.

He met his future wife Pamela through her brother Roy, who was a good friend of Mr Johnson. He had gone to Roy’s house as they were going to the cinema and, after meeting his sister, asked if she could come along.

They married in 1960 and moved to Hertfordshire in 1968, where Mr Johnson started as a HGV driver for Sainsbury’s.

The family moved to Trowbridge in 1979, living in The Down, before moving to Avonvale Road in 1981. Mr Johnson continued work as a HGV driver for Airsprung and Bowyers before retiring.

It was at Avonvale Road that Mr Johnson began to make a name for himself with his incredible Christmas light displays, which started over 20 years ago as a treat for his granddaughter.

He covered the house with lights long before it became popular, drawing the crowds In later years he would be helped by his daughter Clare Merritt, with the family raising hundreds of pounds for Wiltshire Air Ambulance in the process.

Mrs Merritt said: “We loved doing the lights together. We always had a lot of fun and laughs doing it and it was just fantastic.

“The house was known for its display and it was dad’s pride and joy.”

Mr Johnson, who had four grandchildren, was also a classic car fan and owned several, his favourites being Rovers.

His family say they will remember him as a quiet, very friendly man with a great sense of humour, who always had friends and family giggling.

His funeral service took place at West Wilts Crematorium, Semington, on Friday at 1pm. Family flowers only. Donation in his memory will go to the A & E Department at Bath RUH.