AS Boris Johnson considers cancelling Christmas due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Santa’s sleigh arrived early to spread festive cheer in south Essex.

Despite a late summer heatwave seeing temperatures top 30 degrees this week, Summer Hill Garden Centre off the A127 has been transformed into a winter wonderland.

Santa has refused to let the pandemic dampen his magic and the centre has been decked out with huge glittering trees, piles of shiny decorations and strings of twinkling lights.

A spokesman said: “We’ve had an overwhelmingly positive response to the department so far, with news spreading far and wide across the county and beyond.

“This year has been especially challenging for us. Because of social distancing we have extended our Christmas displays to allow better flow around the department. And we have had to put in extra measures to ensure our customers and staff both feel safe.

“We have staff manning our front door continually, cleaning all of our trolleys and baskets and to help control the number of customers in our store at any one time. We also made the decision for all of our staff to wear masks or face guards whilst inside the shop.

“Touch free hand sanitisers can be found throughout the shop along with additional cleaning being done throughout the day. From implementing all these changes we have had great feedback from our customers to say that they feel safer while shopping at our Garden Centre.”

It comes as American Express has released new data showing that nearly a third - 32 percent - of us have started their festive shopping, working out to nearly 17 million shoppers.

The Omnibus research, conducted by Opinium, surveyed 2,000 adults across the UK and found that approximately two-fifths - 41 percent - have started their Christmas shopping earlier than previous years.

Shoppers say the garden centre display lives up to its popularity.

One said online: “It’s beautiful. I bought some lovely decorations and had a really lovely meal and it really cheers you up.”

to surrounded by such beauty and Christmas cheer. I would highly recommend a visit ! I will be back soon.”