Shoppers have expressed their disbelief after a Christmas favourite was seen dominating the shelves at North East superstores.

Despite being more than four months away, shoppers entering Tesco stores around the region have spotted the first festive goodies going on sale.

From tubs of Quality Street to Cadbury Roses, the popular delights have been popping up in stores in anticipation of being sold out within days.

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In one superstore, Tesco Sunderland had four pallets of the chocolatey range with huge 'offer' signs hoping to entice shoppers to buy early.

The purple tubs of Quality Street are usually bought up in their thousands in the weeks leading to Christmas and have become synonymous with the big day.

But it seems it is too soon as people have been expressing their disappointment at the sale of festive treats - in August.

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One person tweeted an image of Quality Street and Cadbury Heroes, saying: "Dear God. The Christmas Quality Street sweets are already on display. In August. #Chrisumerism."

It appeared this opened a healthy debate with another making fun, saying that August is not exactly Christmas chocolate weather.

They said: "Tesco now has large tubs of Quality Street and Cadbury's Roses on display if you fancy some Christmas-themed chocolate while you slowly roast to death."

Just days before, BBC Look North weather presenter Jen Bartram opened up her own debate on Twitter saying she "predicted" them to be out next week.

She said: "Who’s going to be the first to spot the Christmas Cadbury Heroes, Quality Street or Celebrations tubs in the supermarket? I predict they’ll be out in the shops by the end of next week…"

But it is not Tesco starting early.

In recent days, pictures have emerged of festive treats and lights being sold at the likes of Costco in Gateshead.

What do you think? Is August too early to start selling festive goods?

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