Alexandra Hills great-grandfather, Dieter Marlow spreads joy in Allenby Road

Dieter Marlow and his wife Yvonne live in Allenby Road and it has become a tradition for Mr Marlow to dress up as Santa Claus on Christmas Eve and hand out lollies to the neighbouring children.

This year the jolly bearded man will ride a sleigh with wheels.

Earlier this year Mr Marlow suffered three strokes and is for now, confined to a wheelchair. With his positive attitude, he has vowed that no matter what happens he will be out there playing Saint Nic.

"I want to give a little happiness to the kids," he said.

In previous years, Mrs Claus used to join him but Ms Marlow said this year she was hanging up her red dress.

The couple have lived in the house since 1972 and can remember when they were just one of three houses in the busy street.

"We have always loved Christmas and the Santa tradition started for our children and then our grandchildren...we love kids and sometimes we get more happiness out of it than the kids," Ms Marlow said.

She said Mr Marlow has worn the same red suit for the past 12 years and it still fits.

The 78-year-old man is a staunch Broncos fan and said his New Year's resolution was to be able to walk unassisted in the next six months.

Unable to string up his usual Christmas lights, neighbours got together last week and decorated the Marlows home, ready for the festive fare.

The Marlow's four children and grandchildren will join them for Christmas, where Ms Marlow will cook a full traditional meal while Santa hands out the gifts.

Santa will sit in his sleigh on wheels on the footpath outside number 20 on Christmas Eve and greet children and adults with a smile and a "ho, ho,ho".