SUMMER flowers and suntans have barely faded, but it seems some people are already Christmas shopping.

While many gardeners are still enjoying the last of their summer flowers or turning their thoughts to spring bulbs, others are visiting their garden centre for Christmas decorations.

Festive ornaments and Christmas trees are being snatched from the shelves at Dobbies Garden World in Birtley, County Durham.

The centre, near Chester-le-Street, has already sold nearly 50 artificial Christmas trees and fibre optic winter village ornaments sold out within a week.

Today, Dobbies put the finishing touches to its Santa's grotto and a 40ft inflatable snowman is soon to appear.

The early arrival of Christmas in Birtley is partly on request from customers and also to help the garden centre get its massive Christmas display ready in time.

Every year the shop puts on an impressive Christmas display, dedicating three-quarters of its shop to all things festive.

Assistant manager Jamie Grant said it was the earliest they had brought out Christmas decorations.

"The main summer season has finished. It hasn't been the best of summers for planting out and people are looking for something to cheer them up and are planning for Christmas. Ninety-five per cent of reaction we've had has been very positive. People can't wait until the display has finished."