More than 150 people turned out to celebrate the 85th birthday of a popular character last weekend.

Dave Edwards, aka “Mr Christmas”, enjoyed a surprise birthday bash at the Croxley Guild Social Club on February 2, organised by his devoted daughter and Watford Observer Community Hero, Sharon Markham.

Mr Edwards has become something of a minor celebrity in Croxley Green ever since he and his wife Carol started their “Christmas House” in Lancing Way, 40 years ago. His daughter Sharon was celebrated recently for continuing her parent’s legacy after the death of Mrs Edwards last year.

Mr Edwards was greeted on the night by Star Wars Stormtroopers, to which he said: “Wow, what are you guys doing here?”, before his favourite band, The Four Horsemen played live for all his guests.

“Mr Christmas” met his three nieces for the first time and some of his guests travelled from Milton Keynes, Southampton and Aylesbury.

His daughter, Sharon said Mr Edwards said of the evening: “It was the best party anyone could ever have.

“I was totally blown away with it and couldn’t believe half of Croxley Green knew about the party, but nobody had let it out.”