STAFF at a Chester-le-Street florist's are dressing up as Santa Claus to ensure their customers have a blooming great Christmas. Shop workers and delivery drivers at Richard's Florists have donned white beards, false stomachs and red jackets to help cheer up punters, who are stressed out by Christmas shopping.

Shop owner Sue Gough said: "Christmas can be a time which is stressful for the shopper as well as shop workers.

"So we decided to cheer all of the staff and customers by wearing our Santa Claus outfits, which are sure to make working a fun and jolly time for all. Together with Mother's Day and Valentine's Day, Christmas is one of our busiest times of the year."