A 78-year-old pensioner from Sydney’s south has been celebrated for bringing festive cheer to the streets of his local community, by using Christmas decorations purchased from his own pocket.

A photograph showing Mortdale resident “Eric” sticky-taping a Christmas decoration to a light pole was posted to the I Grew Up in Mortdale 2223 Facebook page yesterday.

The post, titled “Xmas spirit finally arrives in Mortdale”, claims Eric took to the streets after reading a news article describing the local council’s attempt at Christmas decorating as “woeful”.

“So, this morning Eric, despite a recent heart attack, headed off to a local Morty $2 shop to purchase Christmas decorations,” the caption reads.

“Eric proceeded to tape the decorations around the streets of Morty, making countless trips back to the shop.

“Eric the pensioner – 1. Georges River Council – 0.”

Facebook users have replied to the post with their thanks, while also criticising the Georges River Council for failing to adequately decorate the town for the occasion.