A JOHNSTONE couple have used a much-loved comic strip as the inspiration for their latest festive lights display.
Jamie-Max Caldwell and Paige Morris decorated the front of their Hagg Crescent home with wooden cut-outs of characters from the Peanuts stories created by American cartoonist Charles M. Schulz.
The superb setpiece shows Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the rest of the gang having fun together.
Jamie-Max, who is also a cartoonist, said the good-natured display was chosen to contrast with the theme of their previous Christmas setpiece.
He told The Gazette: “Last year, we went with a Grinch display, as it seemed fitting with everything that was going on.
“We chose to go with Snoopy this year, as we thought it would represent there being a bit more hope.
“I’m a fan of all comic strips and cartoons – and Schulz is a massive inspiration. There is hidden meaning in the Snoopy comic strips that resonated with us and that’s why we wanted to do this.”
Jamie-Max, who is currently working on a historical graphic novel about the Paisley witches, said the festive setpiece took 19 days to make from start to finish.
The 33-year-old added: “I’m absolutely over the moon with the finished result.
“Some people have been taking selfies next to the display and it appears to be older folk who really resonate with Snoopy, so it’s been nice to see them buzzing about it.
“What we’re going to do next year is now the big question. My niece Honor is a massive fan of the Frozen films, so that might be the theme.”
Alongside the main characters are different designs of Woodstock – the bird who is Snoopy’s best friend in the comic strip.
Jamie-Max said: “As part of a prize draw, we’ve been giving away the Woodstocks attached to our hedge to people who share our Christmas display on social media.
“This means that people have the opportunity to win a hand-made Woodstock for themselves.”
To take part in the Christmas giveaway, visit www.facebook.com/jamiemaxcartoon.
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