Snow place like home in Alnwick, as prankster Garry gives his brother-in-law a frosty reception

In the latest in a series of tit-for-tat practical jokes, Garry, also from Alnwick, enlisted the help of his two sons, Alfie and Jack, to build a giant snowman blocking Lee Swordy's front door, while he was away last night (Saturday).

He had decided Lee's previous trick, writing on his face in permanent marker when he'd fallen asleep after a few pints, was 'snow' laughing matter, so started digging around for a way to get back at him. The recent wintry showers gave him the chance of a snow joke.

Out came the shovels and up went the snowman barricade, complete with cold stare, carrot nose and icy grin!

The prank war has lasted well over a year, after Garry put a fake scratch on Lee's brand new white car.

"He fell for it completely," said Garry. "Then he covered my car in Post-it notes and also covered me with the permanent marker. So when he went away for the night with his wife yesterday, I thought it was the perfect opportunity. Alfie and Jack had a great time helping me.

"I've waited a long time to get him back and I don't think that will be the last of it. I'm actually a bit worried now. But I did leave a shovel for when he got home!"

So, did Lee and his wife Victoria have a meltdown when they saw the snow mountain on their return home to the new Swordy Park, near the Duchess's High School, today (Sunday), or were they chilled out about the prank?

Luckily, Garry wasn't given the cold shoulder.

"Lee took it in good jest, after an hour of digging," said Garry, who, appropriately, lives in Howling Lane and has had the last laugh ... for now!